Surface Recordings of the Bereitschaftspotential in Normals

Abstract

The BP was discovered by Komhuber & Deecke (1964; 1965) during recordings made from electrodes placed over the scalp. In the intervening years, it is probably accurate to say that such surface recordings have been the most common means of measuring the BP and have been instrumental in providing key information about this movement-related potential. A first aim of this chapter is to examine the factors that influence the amplitude, slope or topography of the BP. Secondly, I will consider what information about BP- topography can contribute to our knowledge of the functional organization of cortical motor areas. Third, surface recordings of the brain potentials show a complex, spatio-temporal pattern shortly before and after movement onset. Their electrogenesis· and functional significance will be discussed. In the final part of this chapter, I will review the evidence for and against separate components of the BP.