Young boy wears the OPM MEG for epilepsy diagnosis

Transforming Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment with OPM-MEG

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition that affects many children and young people, often leading to significant challenges in their daily lives. At Young Epilepsy, we are committed to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy through innovative technologies like Optically Pumped Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG). 

This cutting-edge technology, which is currently part of a clinical trial, is revolutionising the way we understand and manage epilepsy, offering hope for quick diagnoses and better-targeted treatments in the future. However, it is important to note that OPM-MEG is not yet available to the general public. 

The Role of Technology in Epilepsy Diagnosis 

Traditional methods of diagnosing epilepsy, such as Electroencephalography (EEG), have been invaluable but come with limitations. EEG measures electrical activity in the brain, which can help identify abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy. However, it requires patients to wear sensors stuck by glue or tape , which can be particularly challenging for children with sensory sensitivities. 

Furthermore, electrical signals are distorted as they travel through the blood vessels, skull, and scalp, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of abnormal brain activity. This method can only locate the source within a range of centimetres, which is not precise enough for tasks like presurgical planning. To address this, techniques like magnetoencephalography (MEG) are used. 

MEG measures magnetic activity that is less affected by these barriers, allowing for much more precise localisation down to millimetres of brain tissue. However, traditional MEG helmets are designed in a one-size-fits-all manner and are not suitable for children, as they don't adapt well to different head shapes and sizes, leading to weaker signals for individuals who don't fit the standard setup. 

OPM-MEG, on the other hand, offers a more advanced and patient-friendly approach. This technology also measures the magnetic fields produced by brain activity, providing a more detailed and accurate picture of brain function, mapping signal down to millimetres of tissue. Unlike traditional MEG systems, OPM-MEG is wearable, adjustable, and adapted for movement, making it much more suitable for children. 

Young boy inspects the OPM MEG helmet
A young boy inspects the OPM-MEG helmet at Young Epilepsy's diagnostic suite.

How OPM-MEG Works 

OPM-MEG utilises sensors that can be flexibly arranged in helmets designed specifically for children. These sensors are more sensitive than those used in conventional MEG systems with greater signal by aligning the sensors as close to the head surface as possible. This increased sensitivity leads to better localisation of abnormal activity, which is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. 

The technology is the result of a collaboration between Young Epilepsy’s Research team and leading institutions such as the University of Nottingham, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, the UCL Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Cerca Magnetics, and Magnetic Shields Ltd. 

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention 

Early diagnosis is critical in managing epilepsy effectively. The sooner we can identify the cause and nature of a child's epilepsy, the sooner we can tailor treatments to their specific needs. Early intervention can prevent further neurological damage and improve the overall quality of life for children with epilepsy. 

OPM-MEG's ability to provide a  more sensitive measure and a more precise localisation of activity means that healthcare professionals can develop more targeted treatment plans. It has the potential to identify surgical targets earlier in the diagnostic pathway, increasing the likelihood of children becoming seizure-free, allowing them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. 

Supporting Our Research 

At Young Epilepsy, we are dedicated to putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do. Our research into technologies like OPM-MEG is transforming the future of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. However, we rely on the support of generous donors to continue this vital work. 

By contributing to our research fund, you can help us develop and implement innovative solutions that make a real difference in the lives of children with epilepsy. Your support can help us achieve our goal of making more children seizure-free. 

To learn more about how you can support our research

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Help fund research

Support ground-breaking research at Young Epilepsy to help control seizures and improve the lives of young people with epilepsy. Your donations fund vital studies that aim to find better treatments and ultimately a cure. Join us in making a difference by contributing to our research initiatives and helping us advance our understanding of epilepsy.

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The charity Young Epilepsy’s OPM-MEG epilepsy diagnosis service for children and young people up to age 25