Magnetoencephalography or MEG is a diagnostic test that measures brain activity and pinpoints the location of seizures through magnetic fields. Neurologists and neurosurgeons at Riley Children’s Health and Indiana University Health use the test to conduct brain mapping for brain surgeries. Riley Children’s is home to the only MEG system in the state.
What is Magnetoencephalography (MEG)?
MEG is a noninvasive test that scans, records, and evaluates brain activity by measuring the brain’s magnetic fields. It is safe for both children and adults. Medical specialists from neurology and neurosurgery use the test to find the source of seizures to plan for epilepsy surgery. A MEG test is also used to better understand how the brain functions in response to tasks, which aids in planning surgeries for brain tumors.
How does MEG work?
Brain cells generate electrical currents which create naturally occurring magnetic fields. The test analyzes magnetic fields with highly sensitive sensors located within the machine’s helmet. The helmet’s sensors specialize in detecting signals in the brain.
Together, the helmet and the technology’s innovative software record the activity of brain cells while patients rest or do tasks, such as looking at images or listening to sounds. The test also monitors both normal and abnormal brain signals while mapping out specific brain activities on an anatomical image of your child’s brain.
What is the difference between MEG and other medical imaging?
- Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a medical imaging technology that creates images of the brain using both a magnet and a computer. MEG scans the natural magnetic fields produced from brain cells with both sensors and a computer and without using external magnets.
- An electroencephalography or EEG is focused on the brain’s electrical activity. MEG records the brain’s magnetic fields, which are produced by the electrical activity.
MEG is utilized to precisely pinpoint specific brain activity. Medical specialists may combine an MRI and EEG with MEG to create a comprehensive representation of the brain activity.
What to Expect
What to Expect
- MEG is available at Riley Hospital for Children for both adults and children. It is silent and noninvasive, meaning it does not hurt or cause discomfort. It is also safe and does not expose patients to radiation or strong magnetic fields.
- The type of preparation for MEG differs based on the MEG scan needed. One of our care team members will explain preparations prior to the exam depending on if they are being evaluated for epilepsy or undergoing general motor or sensory mapping.
- During the scan, the patient’s head will remain still between a sponge-like material that minimizes movement. On occasion, the technician operating the MEG may ask the patient to complete tasks during the test to record other brain activity – all while keeping their head still.
- The test can take up to four hours, it depends on the brain activity being tested. Once complete, a team member with specialized expertise in MEG reads the recording. It may take several weeks before the exam is processed and reviewed.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.