What is a MEG brain scanner?

Magnetoencephalography explores the brain's inner regions.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides a mapping of brain activity and enables researchers and physicians to measure electromagnetic activity. The brain imaging technology explores areas that could hold answers to treatments or cures for debilitating neurological conditions.

What is Magnetoencephalography (MEG)?

Magnetoencephalography, commonly known as MEG scan, is a non-invasive brain imaging technology that uncovers mysteries within the brain. A MEG scan identifies activity and measures small magnetic fields produced within regions of the brain.

The RICOH MEG scanner measures electromagnetic activity to within 1.75 cm of the center of the brain—thereby recording brain activity down to the level of the hippocampus and hypothalamus.

How does a MEG scanner work?

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).

What is MEG used for?

This diagnostic neurological tool — which delivers a mapping of the brain — is important because a big challenge for treating neurological disorders is locating which areas of the brain are responsible for critical brain functions. Advanced brain imaging improves the possibility of better outcomes. Because the MEG scanner measures and records electromagnetic activity deep within the brain, it enables researchers and doctors to see previously unexplored activities of the brain.

RICOH MEG brain scanning technology uses no applied magnetic fields, radiation or injections. Patients lie in a comfortable supine position and the machine is silent.

What's the difference between MEG, MRI or EEG?

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.

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