Rationale: Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) analysis demonstrates higher spatial and temporal resolution than other conventional neurological analyses, namely positron emission computed tomography (CT), single-photon emission CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These advantages render MEG a powerful tool for evaluating candidates for epileptic surgery. Methods: MEG data were recorded by 204ch helmet-shape gradiometers (Vector View, Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) at 600 Hz sampling rate. The data were then analyzed by the single dipole method to calculate localized epileptic MEG discharges and demonstrate the equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) in the cerebral cortex. MEG data were superimposed onto the corresponding MRI results. Results: ECDs showed clustered epileptogenic areas among patients with localization-related epilepsy, and indicated the surgical procedure. In particular, spike-source information provided a better indication of the operation plan for a given patient. Conclusion: MEG analysis accurately localizes epileptogenic lesions in patients and has become an indispensable diagnostic tool for neocortical epilepsy surgery. The technique is invaluable for presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy and for diagnosing epileptic syndromes.
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