Discover the different

Applications

1. Epilepsy and brain mapping

Localization of epileptic discharges and pre-surgical functional brain
mapping are the most common clinical applications of MagnetoEncephaloGraphy (MEG).

Approximately 0.6% of the population are living with epilepsy. Around a third of patients do not respond to medication. These patients may be considered for surgery, with the aim of removing the region of the brain causing the seizures.

When planning for epilepsy surgery, multiple potential sites for resection may be identified through anatomical imaging. Multiple neuroimaging techniques are often used, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) but they do not provide a high spatial resolution information to confirm the expected epileptogenic focus or choose between potential candidates. MEG is used in routine clinical practice as a non-invasively method to guide or avoid intracranial EEG, a very invasive one that can be undertaken sometimes.

MEG is also used clinically to map functional areas of the brain prior to tumor removal, affecting 1.6 million people per year. It is a crucial tool to preserve main functional areas of the brain during surgery to avoid irreversible disabilities resulting from their damage.

2. Neurological disorders

Being the only brain imaging device with high spatial and temporal resolutions, MEG has numerous applications in neurological disorders research: early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, rehabilitation after strokes, diagnosis of mental disorder, autism….

We’re in the midst of a critical healthcare challenge: brain disorders, encompassing both mental and neurological conditions, are impacting millions globally. These disorders are not only disabling and costly but also frequently overlooked, hindering access to necessary care.

Widespread Impact: According to the WHO, 1 in 3 people suffer from a neurological disorder, and 1 in 4 face a mental health issue.

Significant Burden: Neurological conditions alone are leading causes of disability and the second largest contributors to mortality worldwide.

Exacerbating Factors: An aging population and increasing societal stressors are intensifying this crisis, posing a significant threat to public health.

https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission

To achieve an effective prevention, early detection and intervention strategies, we need to boost the workforces of healthcare professionals within neurology and mental health; do investments in research, innovative treatments and new technologies (MEG could definitely be one of them!).

3. Cognitive Neuroscience

MEG is an invaluable tool to study the dynamics and connectivity of large-scale brain activity and their interactions with the body and the environment.

A key advantage of this approach over other techniques is that MEG can record brain activity directly and non-invasively with a very high (within milliseconds) temporal resolution and a very high (within millimeter) spatial resolution. It can thus generate an information-rich, dynamic representation of large-scale brain activity.

If you are interested in learning more about the future development of OPM-MEG system and, if would like to join us on this adventure let's start a conversation!