Magnetoencephalography
Pronunciation: /mægˌniːtoʊɪnˌsɛfəˈlɒgrəfi/
Also written as: MEG
A non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures magnetic fields generated by electrical brain activity.
Full Definition
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an advanced neuroimaging modality that detects the magnetic fields produced by electrical currents in the brain. In epilepsy care, MEG provides superior spatial and temporal resolution compared to conventional EEG, making it particularly valuable for localizing epileptic foci before surgical intervention. MEG is especially useful in cases where scalp EEG fails to clearly identify seizure onset zones, particularly for deep or tangentially oriented sources. The technique requires specialized shielded rooms and superconducting sensors, limiting its availability to specialized epilepsy centers.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as MEG in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "Magnetoencephalography revealed spike sources in the right temporal region not visible on scalp EEG." — Presurgical evaluation
- "The epilepsy center performed magnetoencephalography to improve surgical planning accuracy." — Medical procedure