Young boy smiles at camera wearing an orange OPM-MEG helmet

OPM-MEG

We coordinate epilepsy research that improves diagnosis and treatments for children and young people, putting them at the heart of everything we do.

The cutting edge of epilepsy diagnosis

OPM-MEG technology transforms epilepsy diagnosis into a much gentler, less intrusive experience, allowing for more accurate data collection, earlier diagnosis and interventions, and better management, treatment and health outcomes.

Optically pumped magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is the result of a collaboration between Young Epilepsy’s Research team and the University of Nottingham, University College London's Institute of Neurology, the UCL Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Cerca Magnetics and Magnetic Shields Ltd.

What is magnetoencephalography?

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging tool that records naturally occurring  brain function by measuring minute changes in magnetic fields produced as brain cells communicate. MEG and EEG are often the first step in epilepsy diagnosis. MEG is a vital part of neurological diagnostics and surgical evaluation. The technology has been available for many years, but with limitations.

What is OPM-MEG?

Optically pumped magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is the world’s first wearable, movable, brain-imaging system. OPM-MEG uses sensors embedded in a helmet designed specifically for children. It is 10 times more sensitive than current MEG technology. OPM-MEG offers earlier and more accurate diagnosis through better-quality data, allowing for earlier intervention, and better treatment options and outcomes for children.

Why is early diagnosis important?

Around half of people diagnosed never learn what causes their epilepsy. But the sooner we know the cause of someone’s epilepsy, the sooner we know how it is affecting them, and how best to manage and treat it. Early diagnosis is also better for the person’s understanding of their condition.

Why is early intervention important? 

The longer a child has undiagnosed and untreated epilepsy, the longer they are at risk of neurological damage. Also, people with epilepsy often have other developmental needs. Early intervention from a range of health care professionals can, therefore, be critical to improving health outcomes and quality of life for children with epilepsy. 

The brains behind OPM-MEG

Meet the partnership team, that through collaboration developed OPM-MEG

Tim Tierney

Senior Research Fellow

Tim Tierney

Tim Tierney

Senior Research Fellow

Tim Tierney

“We hope that this technology will allow for a much more child-friendly brain scan.”

David Woollger

Managing Director, Magnetic Shields Ltd

David Woolger

David Woollger

Managing Director, Magnetic Shields Ltd

David Woolger

“The OPM-MEG is a system that has been developed, proven and tested now in the UK, and it has a global application.”

Rosemarie Pardington

Former Young Epilepsy Director of Integrated Care

Rosemarie Pardington

Rosemarie Pardington

Former Young Epilepsy Director of Integrated Care

Rosemarie Pardington

“Having a facility like the new MEG is going to make an absolutely massive difference to the children and their families.”

With OPM-MEG it’s going to be more of a family-friendly environment, where you can bring your child’s favourite toys and their siblings along.
Sam's Mum Tracey

When will OPM-MEG be offered to patients?

Clinical evaluation of OPM-MEG started in autumn 2021. We will keep you updated on its progress and announce when we are ready to take referrals.  

Where will OPM-MEG be available?

We will be offering OPM-MEG at our diagnostic suite at the Young Epilepsy health centre in Lingfield, approximately 8 miles from the M25, Junction 6.

The centre’s peaceful surroundings, with therapeutic sensory garden, and the diagnostic suite’s pleasing design provide a calm, reassuring environment that puts children, young people and their families immediately at ease.

We are delighted to have had the help of a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist in the creation of the Centre’s wonderful outdoor space. Having been diagnosed with epilepsy himself, he design a sensory garden with the child and their family at the heart.

Support our work

You can help children and young people like Sam have more accurate diagnosis and better treatment by supporting Young Epilepsy's research partnership.

Please donate today to help fund research that transforms the lives of children and young people with epilepsy. Together we create possible.

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Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging tool that records naturally occurring brain function by measuring minute changes in magnetic fields produced as brain cells communicate. It is a vital part of neurological diagnostics and surgical evaluation. MEG has existed as a brain scanning technology for many years, but the old design has critical limitations.

We have developed a new wearable, MEG system, known as OPM-MEG.

The new technology uses a different type of sensor, optically pumped magnetometers (OPM), which don’t need cryogenic cooling to work. In the new system the child wears a helmet with sensors attached, meaning that the sensors are closer to the scalp, and crucially, the new system allows children to move within an area of zero magnetic field created by the new lightweight shielded Mu-room, where the scan is carried out.

OPM-MEG is 10 times more sensitive than traditional MEG systems. This is largely due to the sensors’ placement in a wearable helmet rather than a in a fixed adult-sized hood. 

Whilst these imaging tools both measure brain function, they measure different things. EEG measures electrical activity in the brain whereas OPM-MEG measures magnetic fields in the brain and is therefore more accurate. EEG is currently widely used but OPM MEG is brand new and not yet available for clinical use. Both will have an important role to play in the diagnosis of epilepsy in the future.