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Coan AC, Cavalcante CM, Burgess RC. Utility of Functional MRI and Magnetoencephalography in the Diagnosis of Infantile Spasms and Hypsarrhythmia. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:544-551. [PMID: 35323155 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques can add a significant contribution to the comprehension of infantile spasms (IS) and hypsarrhythmia. Functional MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are two noninvasive tools that can be used in young children with IS. In the past two decades, interesting data about IS have emerged from functional MRI and MEG studies. Regarding their clinical utility, MEG has supported the concept that epileptic spasms can have a focal origin. Moreover, MEG might contribute to the localization of the epileptogenic zone in children with IS under investigation for epilepsy surgery. Functional MRI data have contributed to improve the knowledge about the physiopathology of IS and hypsarrhythmia. It has demonstrated abnormal brainstem involvement during the high-amplitude slow waves of hypsarrhythmia and cortical involvement during the epileptiform discharges. Since the feasibility of these techniques has been demonstrated in infants, it is possible that, in the future, larger functional MRI and MEG studies might contribute to the treatment and the definition of the long-term prognosis of children with IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Coan
- Department of Neurology, Child Neurology Unit, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), at UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil; and
| | - Charlington M Cavalcante
- Department of Neurology, Child Neurology Unit, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), at UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil; and
| | - Richard C Burgess
- Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
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Mosher JC, Funke M. Towards Best Practices in Clinical Magnetoencephalography: Patient Preparation and Data Acquisition. J Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 37:498-507. [PMID: 33165223 PMCID: PMC7665271 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A magnetoencephalography (MEG) recording for clinical purposes requires a different level of attention and detail than that for research. As contrasted with a research subject, the MEG technologist must work with a patient who may not fully cooperate with instructions. The patient is on a clinical schedule, with generally no opportunity to return due to an erroneous or poor acquisition. The data will generally be processed by separate MEG analysts, who require a consistent and high-quality recording to complete their analysis and clinical report. To assure a quality recording, (1) MEG technologists must immediately recheck their scalp measurement data during the patient preparation, to catch disturbances and ensure registration accuracy of the patient fiducials, electrodes, and head position indicator coils. During the recording, (2) the technologist must ensure that the patient remains quiet and as far as possible into the helmet. After the recording, (3) the technologist must consistently prepare the data for subsequent clinical analysis. This article aims to comprehensively address these matters for practitioners of clinical MEG in a helpful and practical way. Based on the authors' experiences in recording over three thousand patients between them, presented here are a collection of techniques for implementation into daily routines that ensure good operation and high data quality. The techniques address a gap in the clinical literature addressing the multitude of potential sources of error during patient preparation and data acquisition, and how to prevent, recognize, or correct those.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Mosher
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA
| | - Michael Funke
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA
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Abstract
Magnetoencephalography is the noninvasive measurement of miniscule magnetic fields produced by brain electrical currents, and is used most fruitfully to evaluate epilepsy patients. While other modalities infer brain function indirectly by measuring changes in blood flow, metabolism, and oxygenation, magnetoencephalography measures neuronal and synaptic function directly with submillisecond temporal resolution. The brain's magnetic field is recorded by neuromagnetometers surrounding the head in a helmet-shaped sensor array. Because magnetic signals are not distorted by anatomy, magnetoencephalography allows for a more accurate measurement and localization of brain activities than electroencephalography. Magnetoencephalography has become an indispensable part of the armamentarium at epilepsy centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Burgess
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Abstract
This scientific commentary refers to ‘Magnetoencephalography for epileptic focus localization in a series of 1000 cases’, by Rampp et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awz231).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Burgess
- Director, Magnetoencephalography Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Magnetic Source Imaging and Infant MEG: Current Trends and Technical Advances. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9080181. [PMID: 31357668 PMCID: PMC6721320 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9080181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is known for its temporal precision and good spatial resolution in cognitive brain research. Nonetheless, it is still rarely used in developmental research, and its role in developmental cognitive neuroscience is not adequately addressed. The current review focuses on the source analysis of MEG measurement and its potential to answer critical questions on neural activation origins and patterns underlying infants’ early cognitive experience. The advantages of MEG source localization are discussed in comparison with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), two leading imaging tools for studying cognition across age. Challenges of the current MEG experimental protocols are highlighted, including measurement and data processing, which could potentially be resolved by developing and improving both software and hardware. A selection of infant MEG research in auditory, speech, vision, motor, sleep, cross-modality, and clinical application is then summarized and discussed with a focus on the source localization analyses. Based on the literature review and the advancements of the infant MEG systems and source analysis software, typical practices of infant MEG data collection and analysis are summarized as the basis for future developmental cognitive research.
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Burgess RC. Magnetoencephalography for localizing and characterizing the epileptic focus. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2019; 160:203-214. [PMID: 31277848 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64032-1.00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is the noninvasive measurement of the miniscule magnetic fields produced by electrical currents flowing in the brain-the same neuroelectric activity that produces the EEG. MEG is one of several diagnostic tests employed in the evaluation of patients with epilepsy, but without the need to expose the patient to any potentially harmful agents. MEG is especially important in those being considered for epilepsy surgery, in whom accurate localization of the epileptic focus is paramount. While other modalities infer brain function indirectly by measuring changes in blood flow, metabolism, oxygenation, etc., MEG, as well as EEG, measures neuronal and synaptic function directly and, like EEG, MEG enjoys submillisecond temporal resolution. The measurement of magnetic fields provides information not only about the amplitude of the current but also its orientation. MEG picks up the magnetic field from neuromagnetometers surrounding the head in a helmet-shaped array of sensors. Clinical whole-head systems currently have 200-300 magnetic sensors, thereby offering very high resolution. The magnetic signals are not distorted by anatomy, because magnetic susceptibility is the same for all tissues, including the skull. Hence, MEG allows for a more accurate measurement and localization of brain activities than does EEG. Because one of its primary strengths is the ability to precisely localize electromagnetic activity within brain areas, MEG results are always coregistered to the patient's MRI. When combined in this way with structural imaging, it has been called magnetic source imaging (MSI), but MEG is properly understood as a clinical neurophysiologic diagnostic test. Signal processing and clinical interpretation in magnetoencephalography require sophisticated noise reduction and computerized mathematical modeling. Technological advances in these areas have brought MEG to the point where it is now part of routine clinical practice. MEG has become an indispensable part of the armamentarium at epilepsy centers where MEG laboratories are located, especially when patients are MRI-negative or where results of other structural and functional tests are not entirely concordant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Burgess
- Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Magnetoencephalographic Recordings in Infants: A Retrospective Analysis of Seizure-Focus Yield and Postsurgical Outcomes. J Clin Neurophysiol 2018; 35:454-462. [PMID: 30004913 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is often incorporated into the presurgical work-up of children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. There is growing literature on its role in improving selection for epilepsy surgery, particularly when brain MRI is "non-lesional" or in patients with recurrence or intractable seizures after epilepsy surgery. There are, however, no reports on the extrapolation of its role in the presurgical decision-making process of infants. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of infants who underwent MEG over a 10-year period at our center for presurgical work-up. We reviewed medical records to ascertain seizure history, work-up procedures including brain MRI and scalp EEG, and in the case of surgery, intracranial recordings, operative notes, and follow-up outcomes. RESULTS We identified 31 infants (<2 years of age) who underwent MEG recordings. Despite EEG interictal readings showing patterns of generalized dysfunction in 80%, MEG was able to pinpoint the foci of epileptic activity in 45%. In the MRI-negative group, 44% had focal lateralized interictal spikes on MEG. The sensitivity of MEG to detect interictal epileptiform activity was 90%, and its ability to provide additional information was 28%. Among 18 infants who had surgery, 13 became seizure free at follow-up. The percentage of infants with a focal spike volume on MEG studies and a seizure-free outcome was 66%. CONCLUSIONS MEG recordings in infants were found to be as sensitive for identifying seizure focus as other age groups, also supplying additional information to the decision-making process and validating its role in the presurgical work-up of infants with intractable epilepsy.
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Hari R, Baillet S, Barnes G, Burgess R, Forss N, Gross J, Hämäläinen M, Jensen O, Kakigi R, Mauguière F, Nakasato N, Puce A, Romani GL, Schnitzler A, Taulu S. IFCN-endorsed practical guidelines for clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG). Clin Neurophysiol 2018; 129:1720-1747. [PMID: 29724661 PMCID: PMC6045462 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) records weak magnetic fields outside the human head and thereby provides millisecond-accurate information about neuronal currents supporting human brain function. MEG and electroencephalography (EEG) are closely related complementary methods and should be interpreted together whenever possible. This manuscript covers the basic physical and physiological principles of MEG and discusses the main aspects of state-of-the-art MEG data analysis. We provide guidelines for best practices of patient preparation, stimulus presentation, MEG data collection and analysis, as well as for MEG interpretation in routine clinical examinations. In 2017, about 200 whole-scalp MEG devices were in operation worldwide, many of them located in clinical environments. Yet, the established clinical indications for MEG examinations remain few, mainly restricted to the diagnostics of epilepsy and to preoperative functional evaluation of neurosurgical patients. We are confident that the extensive ongoing basic MEG research indicates potential for the evaluation of neurological and psychiatric syndromes, developmental disorders, and the integrity of cortical brain networks after stroke. Basic and clinical research is, thus, paving way for new clinical applications to be identified by an increasing number of practitioners of MEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Hari
- Department of Art, Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sylvain Baillet
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gareth Barnes
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Richard Burgess
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nina Forss
- Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joachim Gross
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - Matti Hämäläinen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; NatMEG, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole Jensen
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ryusuke Kakigi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - François Mauguière
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Neurological Hospital & University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Aina Puce
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Gian-Luca Romani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, and Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Samu Taulu
- Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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