Magnetoencephalography in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy

Objective To explore the clinical application value and feasibility of magnetoencephalography （MEG） in the localization of epileptogenic zone and to compare with scalp electroencephalography and other neuroimaging techniques. Methods 113 patients were valued by clinical semiology, MEG, scalp EEG, and MRI before surgery. In operation the patients underwent ECoG and deep EEG monitor. The surgical effects were evaluated by Engle curative effect grading. Results There were 91 patients whose epileptopgenic zone was limited to one lobe by MEG among 113 patients; while 30 by scalp EEG. There was significant difference between MEG and EEG/MRI/semiology. There was significant difference between MEG and MRI in localization of lobe. 34 epilepsy cases of 36 with bilateral or full-wire epilepsy wave manifested unilateral epilepsy wave, with significant diagnostic value. Conclusion It is impossible to localize the epileptogenic zone accurately only by any one of clinical semiology, PET, scalp EEG, or MRI. MEG is better in localization, with a higher time and space resolution, and may help to identify epileptogenic zone and mirror foci. Key words: Epilepsy ;  Magnetoencephalography