What is a MEG brain scanner?

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) detects faint signals within the brain. The brain scanning technology provides real-time mapping of activity and the ability to localize brain function precisely. The RICOH MEG helmet contains 160 superconducting sensors which detect and amplify magnetic fields generated by neurons up to 7 1/2 cm from the sensors. Coaxial gradiometer sensors reduce magnetic interference and advanced filtering algorithms reduce noise so signals of interest can be easily and precisely identified. The RICOH MEG scanner is capable of acquiring high frequency signals over 50Hz through the use of High Frequency Oscillations (HFOs).

Because it detects the tiny magnetic fields generated by electromagnetic activity within neurons, MEG data is used to precisely determine the parts of the brain that are functionally active at a particular point in time. This is different from an MRI, which only collects structural information to create images of the brain. When compared to EEGs which do not map the brain, MEG provides much more spatially accurate information. While MRIs, EEGs, PET and CTs differ from MEG, they are all important tools for neurological disorders. Information gathered from many different sources delivers clearer, more in-depth information.

RICOH MEG can accurately superimpose data from many types of scans and display it in a single user interface to provide information and analysis capabilities about both the anatomy and function of the brain.