Analysis of pain-related somatosensory evoked magnetic fields using the MUSIC (multiple signal classification) algorithm for magnetoencephalography

We evaluated the effectiveness of the Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC ) algorithm by analysing pain-related somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) by 148-channel whole-head-type magnetoencephalography. MUSIC peaks o f middle latency components were located around the primary somatosensory c ortex (SI), contralateral to the stimulated finger. Long latency components were located around the bilateral secondary somatosensory cortices (SII) a nd cingulate gyri. Peaks at the SII and cingulate gyri were more prominent on very painful and moderately painful stimulation than on weak stimulation . The results were in very good agreement with results from single dipole e stimation. These findings suggest that the MUSIC algorithm could be a usefu l tool for analysis of pain-related SEFs. NeuroReport 12:1657-1661 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.