Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging instrument that analyses the magnetic fields that are generated by electrical activity in the brain (post-synaptic action potentials). Magnetic fields are recorded by sensitive magnetometers, whereby the pick-up coil stimulates a current that can detect very weak magnetic signals, ‘superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID’s) are usually used. Moreover, as SQUID’s can detect such subtle magnetic field changes this allows MEG to produce very high temporal and spatial resolution that is essential when identifying the specific location and responses of abnormal currents in the brain, seen for example in someone who has epilepsy. Seizures are unaffected by medication in 30% of cases (Eadle,
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Epileptics often show unusual cortical brain activity that can be measured. Electroencephalography (EEG) has frequently been used to identify abnormal electrical signals in epileptics, however recently the use of MEG has been argued to show more accurate findings. Knake et al. (2006) compared whole head MEG and EEG (70 electrode) in detecting interictal epileptiform activity. They tested 67 patients and found that MEG showed detection sensitivity of 72%, whereas EEG detection was 61%. This implies that the use of MEG may be more effective in localizing epileptic regions. This is because as such a strong magnetometer is used the subtlest electrical activity can be detected (up to a thousand billionth of a tesla). Therefore, radiologists can be certain to which regions are associated with epilepsy with millisecond accuracy. This allows them to make potential predictions prior to onset of seizures. Furthermore, as a result MEG provides good spatial …show more content…
If MEG became commonly used in order to treat epilepsy this may stand unfeasible for patients, and potentially the NHS. Wendel et al. (2009) stated that MEG costs roughly 20 times more than the use of EEG. They argued that the cost of working to improve problems associated with EEG, such as model accuracy and reducing interference, is still less than the use of MEG. Moreover, Baumgartner (2004) evaluated studies on the effectiveness of MEG over EEG use in epilepsy localization. He found that MEG showed no clear advantages in sensitivity of localizing the epileptic regions. Therefore it can be argued that MEG may be a wasteful instrument in aiding epilepsy treatment, as similar success in localization can be shown in cheaper neuroimaging methods. However, unlike other methods MEG receives clear direct information from the
Epileptics often show unusual cortical brain activity that can be measured. Electroencephalography (EEG) has frequently been used to identify abnormal electrical signals in epileptics, however recently the use of MEG has been argued to show more accurate findings. Knake et al. (2006) compared whole head MEG and EEG (70 electrode) in detecting interictal epileptiform activity. They tested 67 patients and found that MEG showed detection sensitivity of 72%, whereas EEG detection was 61%. This implies that the use of MEG may be more effective in localizing epileptic regions. This is because as such a strong magnetometer is used the subtlest electrical activity can be detected (up to a thousand billionth of a tesla). Therefore, radiologists can be certain to which regions are associated with epilepsy with millisecond accuracy. This allows them to make potential predictions prior to onset of seizures. Furthermore, as a result MEG provides good spatial …show more content…
If MEG became commonly used in order to treat epilepsy this may stand unfeasible for patients, and potentially the NHS. Wendel et al. (2009) stated that MEG costs roughly 20 times more than the use of EEG. They argued that the cost of working to improve problems associated with EEG, such as model accuracy and reducing interference, is still less than the use of MEG. Moreover, Baumgartner (2004) evaluated studies on the effectiveness of MEG over EEG use in epilepsy localization. He found that MEG showed no clear advantages in sensitivity of localizing the epileptic regions. Therefore it can be argued that MEG may be a wasteful instrument in aiding epilepsy treatment, as similar success in localization can be shown in cheaper neuroimaging methods. However, unlike other methods MEG receives clear direct information from the