In which patient population would MEG be most beneficial?

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is particularly beneficial for patients with suspected epileptic disorders due to its ability to provide high-resolution, real-time mapping of brain activity. This non-invasive imaging technique detects the magnetic fields generated by neuronal electrical activity, allowing clinicians to identify the precise location of epileptic foci.

For patients experiencing epileptic disorders, accurate localization of the seizure onset zone is vital for effective treatment planning, which may include surgical intervention. MEG can illuminate the functional organization of the brain, helping to differentiate normal brain regions from those involved in seizure activity.

While MEG may have some utility in evaluating chronic headaches, severe mental illness, or patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy, its primary strength lies in its application to epilepsy. Other imaging modalities may be more suitable for the aforementioned conditions, making MEG a specialized tool with the most significant impact in the context of epileptic disorders.