Have you ever wondered how doctors can study the brain without invasive procedures? Well, the answer is Magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive tool that measures small electrical currents arising inside the neurons of the brain. MEG provides a remarkable accurate representation of the magnetic fields produced by the neurons and is used to study epilepsy and brain function. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of MEG and why it's important.
What is MEG? MEG measures small electrical currents arising inside the neurons of the brain, which produces small magnetic fields. Unlike EEG (electroencephalography), MEG is less affected by the skull and tissue surrounding the brain, making it more accurate in some ways. MEG can give us more usable and reliable information about the location of brain function and when combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it becomes an extremely helpful tool in mapping the exact location of the normally functioning areas near a lesion.
Why is MEG performed? MEG is used to localize the source of epileptiform brain activity, which is the source of seizures in the evaluation of epilepsy. MEG may be helpful in the following situations:
Improving the detection of potential sources of seizures
Confirming that the epileptiform discharges are indeed arising from a lesion
Mapping the exact location of the normally functioning areas near a lesion
Providing necessary information without invasive EEG studies for patients who have had past brain surgery
The preparation for MEG is simple, with no special preparations needed, unless sedation is planned. In the MEG lab, you will be asked to remove all clothing that has metal and change into a hospital gown or pants. EEG electrodes will be glued all around your head, and you will wear two other coils attached to earplugs. You will be asked to lie down on an MEG bed, and when you are comfortable, the sensors will be placed over your head. During the MEG test, you will need to remain as still as possible, not moving your head. If stimulation tests are done, little plastic sensors may be placed on your fingers, or you will be shown a video with different colors.
MEG provides a non-invasive tool to study epilepsy and brain function, making it an important tool in the medical field. It's a relatively simple procedure, with no special preparations needed, and it can give us more usable and reliable information about the location of brain function. Whether you're a medical professional or just curious about how MEG works, we hope this blog post has provided you with valuable information.
More reading:
Comments