MEG Scanner

When it comes to conditions of the brain, there is little room for error.

Nebraska Medicine is one of a small number of hospitals across the country to have a magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner, the most advanced technology available for safely and precisely mapping the brain.

Because a MEG scan can identify areas of the brain affected by epilepsy with pinpoint accuracy, our experienced neurosurgeons have the best opportunities to achieve a favorable outcome.

Although the MEG is most commonly used for treating epilepsy, it is also used for other types of brain conditions, including the identification and removal of brain tumors.

How MEG Works

A MEG scanner works by "reading" the faint magnetic field produced by the human brain and using it to generate a real-time movie of brain activity while you do specific exercises, such as tapping a finger or looking at pictures.

The highly sensitive scanner shows exactly which parts of your brain are involved in speech, language, movement, seeing, and hearing.

The MEG scanner detects immediate changes in electrical brain activity, allowing doctors to track changes that happen at the millisecond level. This provides neurosurgeons with a detailed map of the brain, allowing them to remove damaged brain tissue and preserve healthy tissue.

The test is completely non-invasive, safe, and painless for both children and adults.

The MEG scanner is most commonly used for:

• Identifying and localizing epileptic tissue
• Functional brain mapping prior to tumor resection
• Functional brain mapping before epileptic tissue removal
• Functional brain mapping prior to arteriovenous malformation surgery

Why Come to Nebraska Medicine's MEG Center?

We are Ahead of the Curve

Nebraska Medicine was one of the first large epilepsy centers in the country to add the magnetoencephalograph (MEG) scanner to our arsenal of diagnostic and treatment tools for epilepsy and other neurologic disorders. The MEG Center at Nebraska Medicine is a national leader in clinical MEG mapping.

Greatest Possible Precision

The MEG uses the magnetic fields generated by the brain’s electrical activity to map brain activity with greater detail and accuracy than previous testing tools. By allowing doctors to identify exactly where the brain is malfunctioning, the MEG improves doctors’ ability to diagnose and treat a disorder with the appropriate medications and provides greater surgical precision when removing lesions becomes necessary.

Leaders in Technology Research

Our center's MEG scanner opens new doors to research in neurodevelopmental disorders, stroke, brain trauma, brain plasticity, aging and memory. This ultimately benefits patients throughout the region.