What is MEG or magnetoencephalography?

The magnetic electroencephalography (MEG) test gauges the magnetic fields generated by the electrical currents in your brain. Medical professionals use this test to map brain activity and pinpoint the precise location of the epilepsy-related seizure source.

Since MEG is non-invasive, there is no pain associated with the test, which takes place outside of your body. You are not exposed to radiation (X-rays), and no needles or incisions are involved.

MEG is today's most sophisticated technique for recording and analysing your brain activity.

What is magnetoencephalography used for?

Neurologists and neurosurgeons employ MEG for two reasons:

• Assess your rain's spontaneous activity: This assists in locating the precise site of the source of epilepsy-related seizures to prepare for epilepsy surgery.
• To test your brain's reaction to certain external stimuli: This assists in mapping motor and sensory areas, language vision and other functions. Providers utilize this to assist in planning surgeries for individuals who have brain tumors.

MEG is also a critical component of neurological and psychiatric research, helping scientists better understand human brain function.

How does magnetoencephalography work?

Neurons in the brain communicate with one another by producing tiny electrical voltages. The passage of electrical current creates a magnetic field. MEG measures, records, and examines these magnetic fields with highly sensitive magnetic sensors. Your brain creates a very weak magnetic field, so doctors require highly advanced systems to detect the signal.

These sensing systems consist of tiny, high-resolution coils connected to superconducting quantum interference devices, or SQUIDs. During this test, approximately 300 of these sensors are mounted on a helmet that fits over your head.

As you lie still or perform a variety of actions, such as listening to noises or gazing at images, the sensors in the helmet and specialized computer software identify and record the activity of the neurons. Every millisecond, MEG captures signals from the brain, both regular and aberrant. The magnetic fields "map out" the origins and activation times of particular brain activity on a computer screen by displaying an anatomical representation of your brain.

What should I do to prepare for a MEG test?

Your doctor will tell you whether you must refrain from eating or drinking before the test. Your doctor will also inform you whether you will have to make adjustments to your medication or routine.

Do not apply makeup or any hair products on the test day. They may interfere with the testing.

You will also not be allowed to wear any metal objects in the exam room, including jewellery, glasses, hair pins, underwire bras and clothing with metal fittings. A doctor will provide you with a medical gown to wear if needed.

If you have any devices on or in your body, you must inform your provider before the test. If they are made of metal or have something that might make it hard for the magnetic fields to work and you can't take them out, you may not be able to take the test. These include:

• Artificial heart valves.
• Cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers.
• Certain brain aneurysms.
• Artificial limbs or metallic prosthetic joints.
• Implanted nerve stimulators.
• Metal teeth braces.
• Programmable shunts.
• Some metal coils inserted into blood vessels.
• Cochlear implants.
• Implanted drug infusion ports.
• Metal pins, plates, stents, screws or surgical staples.

What can I expect during a MEG test?

The procedure of an MEG test may differ based on the purpose. Generally, you can expect:

• You'll remove all metal accessories from your body and wear a medical gown.
• Infants and young children might require sedation (medicine that relaxes you) or general anaesthesia to hold still for an MEG exam. If so, the doctor will place an IV for the medicine.
• A doctor might place three to four positioning coils on your head with temporary tape to assist in determining your head's position relative to the helmet sensors.
• The doctor will take measurements of the coils with a unique wand-like instrument.
• The doctor will give you a round circular device (a "degausser") to erase small magnetic signals that you might pick up in a natural setting.
• You'll then lie on a movable exam table or sit in a unique chair that's connected to the MEG machine.
• The doctor will place the helmet holding the MEG sensors on your head. It is extremely uncommon to experience claustrophobia when wearing a helmet. To ensure that your brain is in close proximity to the MEG machine's sensors, it is crucial that you insert your head as deeply as possible inside the helmet.

Depending on the purpose of the test, you might lie motionless or perhaps fall asleep. During the test, you should make an effort to maintain your head motionless. You will be required to perform certain tasks, such as reading words on a screen, responding to questions, or repeatedly pressing a button, if the test is designed to map the sensory areas of your brain.

To gauge how your brain reacts to stimulation, a doctor might apply a tiny electrical current to your finger. It will tingle, but it won't cause any pain.

After the test is over and the supplier has all the information they require, a specialist will examine the recordings.

Some doctors also perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in addition to an MEG test. If so, the process will involve more steps.

The MEG test itself takes one to two hours.

What happens after a MEG test?

If you or your child were sedated or anaesthetized for the test, a medical professional would monitor you for 30 minutes to two hours after the test to ensure that you recover satisfactorily. You'll require someone else to take you home.

If you weren't sedated, there is no recovery time. You can resume your normal activities.

What are the risks of a MEGtest?

There are no known risks of an MEG test.

How long will it take to get the results of the MEG test?

It can take a few days or even weeks before experts analyse the recordings of your MEG test. Doctors use MEG tests to prepare for complicated brain surgeries, and a number of experts may collaborate to do so.

Once they've made a plan, your medical team will explain the findings to you and outline the next steps.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for magnetoencephalography?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country,with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in magnetoencephalography.Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

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Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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