What is the relationship between EEG MicroStates and NIRS?

What is the relationship between EEG MicroStates and NIRS?

EEG MicroStates and NIRS relationship between

The relationship between EEG microstates and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) pertains to their complementary nature in neuroimaging and studying brain dynamics. 

Temporal Resolution:

EEG Microstates: These are short-lived, quasi-stable states of scalp potential fields measured using EEG. They have high temporal resolution, allowing for the tracking of very fast neuronal processes.

NIRS: This technique has a lower temporal resolution compared to EEG. It measures changes in blood oxygenation levels that occur over a period of seconds.

Spatial Resolution:

EEG Microstates: They have a relatively lower spatial resolution compared to some other imaging techniques, making it challenging to localize the source of the electrical activity within the brain accurately.

NIRS: It has moderate spatial resolution, offering somewhat more localized information about blood flow and oxygenation in the cortical regions.

Physiological Basis:

EEG Microstates: They reflect synchronized neuronal firing patterns, which are generally believed to represent specific cognitive and perceptual states.

NIRS: This technique measures hemodynamic responses, which are indirectly related to neuronal activity (neurovascular coupling).

Integration for Comprehensive Analysis:

Combined Approach: A combined approach using both EEG microstates and NIRS could potentially allow for a more comprehensive analysis of brain function. EEG microstates could provide detailed information on the fast neuronal dynamics, while NIRS could offer insights into the associated hemodynamic responses.

Connectome Analysis: Both EEG microstates and NIRS data can be used to study the brain's connectome (network of neuronal connections) but from different perspectives. While EEG microstates might offer insights into fast-changing connectivity patterns, NIRS might provide information on connectivity patterns associated with slower hemodynamic responses.

Studies on Cognitive Processes:

The combined use of EEG microstates and NIRS can be especially potent in studies focusing on various cognitive processes. The complementary information from both modalities can help in understanding the complex interplay between neuronal activity and associated blood flow changes.

Technical Integration:

Integration of EEG microstates and NIRS in a multimodal neuroimaging setup can be technically challenging, requiring specialized data acquisition and analysis techniques to extract meaningful information from the combined data.

By exploring the relationship between EEG microstates and NIRS data, researchers might be able to develop more nuanced and comprehensive models of brain function, potentially leading to new insights into various neurological and psychiatric conditions.