Sam Shead

MEG-MRI device maps brain activity in epilepsy patients

News

Researchers have developed a more accurate device for mapping the human brain’s electrical activity in patients suffering with epilepsy.

According to a statement, the device — developed by a team from Aalto University in Finland — incorporates whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for the first time.

MEG measures the electrical function and MRI visualises the structure of the brain. The researchers claim that the merging of these two technologies will produce unprecedented accuracy in locating brain electrical activity non-invasively.

‘We expect that the new technology will improve the accuracy of brain mapping of patients with epilepsy,’ said Prof Risto Ilmoniemi of Aalto University. ‘It may also improve the diagnosis of cancer patients because the improved image contrast may facilitate the characterisation of cancer tissue.’

The MEG-MRI device will allow brain imaging for a new set of patients, such as those with metal implants.

Meanwhile, the device’s silent running and open atmosphere means that patients being tested should not feel scared or claustrophobic compared with entering an MRI machine for scanning.

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