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Technological Challenges of Pediatric MEG and Potential Solutions: The Aston Experience

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Magnetoencephalography

Abstract

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) offers significant opportunities for the localization and characterization of focal and generalized epilepsies, but its potential has so far not been fully exploited, as the evidence for its effectiveness is still anecdotal. This is particularly true for pediatric epilepsy. MEG recordings on school-age children typically rely on the use of MEG systems that were designed for adults and children’s smaller head-size and stature can cause significant problems. Reduced signal-to-noise ratio when recording from smaller heads, increased movement, reduced sensor coverage of anterior temporal regions and incomplete insertion into the MEG helmet can all reduce the quality of data collected from children. We summarize these challenges and suggest some practical solutions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Wellcome Trust Laboratory for MEG Studies, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK

    Caroline Witton, Paul L. Furlong & Stefano Seri

  2. Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, The Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

    Stefano Seri

Authors
  1. Caroline Witton
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  2. Paul L. Furlong
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  3. Stefano Seri
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stefano Seri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science Dep. of Physics, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    Selma Supek

  2. School of Medicine Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA

    Cheryl J. Aine

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Witton, C., Furlong, P.L., Seri, S. (2014). Technological Challenges of Pediatric MEG and Potential Solutions: The Aston Experience. In: Supek, S., Aine, C. (eds) Magnetoencephalography. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33045-2_30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33045-2_30

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-33044-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-33045-2

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