The role of MEG in pre-surgical evaluation of epilepsy: current use and future directions

ABSTRACT

Identification of the epileptogenic zone is a critical determinant of seizure control outcomes following surgical resection in medically refractory seizures. There has been increasing recognition of the contributive value of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies in the diagnostic evaluation of epilepsy. Biomagnetic signals recorded by MEG studies in combination with source modeling techniques can yield diagnostic information regarding the underlying epileptogenic zone. MEG evaluation is particularly useful in evaluation of non lesional neocortical epilepsy. In these cases, MEG spike sources can guide presurgical and perioperative invasive monitoring. The incorporation of MEG-based diagnostic information into the surgical evaluation and management plan has consistently been shown to be associated with improved seizure control outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnetoencephalography
• epileptogenic zone
• source modeling
• non lesional neocortical epilepsy
• seizure control outcomes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.