A Lumped-Element Electrical Model of the Human Head for Brain-Oriented Applications

Abstract

In this work, we present a compact surrogate circuit for electro-quasi-static (EQS) head modeling. A three-shell geometry (brain, skull, scalp) is considered, and each layer is modeled through radial and tangential pathways, implemented as RC branches. Frequency-dependent tissue conductivity and permittivity are mapped into dispersive resistive and capacitive elements. The model is validated against a semi-analytical spherical-harmonics reference solution over multiple geometrical configurations and operating frequencies, demonstrating good agreement. Neglecting dispersion and capacitive pathways can lead to an overestimation of scalp potentials over the considered frequency range, highlighting the need for dispersive RC circuit modeling.