MEG is a safe and non-invasive procedure. There are no known risks associated with MEG scans, as it does not use radiation or require the injection of contrast agents.

Clinically, MEG is beneficial for patients with epilepsy or brain tumors. Additionally, the insights gained from MEG applications in various neurological conditions, such as dementia, movement disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), benefit the scientific community, including researchers and clinicians.

To schedule a Clinical MEG scan, please contact our Clinical  MEG Lab scheduling department. To schedule a Research MEG scans, please contact our Research scheduling department. They will guide you through the process, including required paperwork and appointment availability.

 Clinical and research participants:

• You can have a regular meal before the scan.
• Continue taking your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Jewelry, body piercings, wristwatches, hearing aids, removable dental work, hairpins, metal zippers, and other accessories should be left at home or removed prior to the MEG scan.
• Electronic items are not allowed in the scanner and will be kept outside during the scan.
• On the day of the test, wash your hair but avoid using any conditioners or hair products (no oil, gel, mousse, or hairspray).
• Women should not wear an underwire bra during the MEG scan and should either wear a sports bra or change into a patient gown.
• Avoid wearing facial makeup (especially around the eyes), moisturizer, sunscreen, lotion/creams, and nail polish on the day of your MEG scan.
• Glasses will be removed prior to the test; contact lenses may be worn during the test.

Clinical patients only:

Remember to bring your rescue medication with you in case you need it.

You may be requested to arrive sleep-deprived to help us record your brain activity during different states such as awake, drowsy, and sleep.

Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks on the day of the scan.

Duration of MEG exam

• Clinical exams typically last 3-5 hours, including preparation and placement of EEG leads, while research exams usually last 1-2 hours.
• We ensure your comfort with several breaks throughout the procedure.

Arrival and Preparation:

• Upon arrival, our team will escort you to the MEG Lab and explain the procedure in detail.
• You may be asked to change into a patient gown. Sheets and blankets are provided for your comfort.
• EEG leads and other electrodes may be placed on your head, depending on the specific data required.

During the Scan:

• The MEG technician will guide you into the scanning room and help position your head correctly.
• A special helmet containing several hundred MEG sensors will be placed around your head, without covering your face.
• Once comfortably positioned, you may be asked to:
  • Lie quietly or even fall asleep if needed.
  • Listen to sounds, view images on a screen, and move certain parts of your body.
  • Receive mild electrical stimulation to your hands and feet.
• It is important to keep your head as still as possible during MEG scans.

Completion:

After the scan, our team will assist you in exiting the scanner. The EEG and/or other electrodes will be removed.

Absolutely. Research MEG scans and typical clinical MEG scans are conducted without the need for sedation, allowing you to return to your regular daily activities immediately after the scan.

The MEG results will be made available to the patients’ referral providers. The providers will discuss the results with the patients.

Clinical MEG scans are used for diagnosing and surgical planning for patients with epilepsy and brain tumors. Research MEG scans, however, are conducted to explore brain function and cognitive processes, contributing to scientific studies and advancing our understanding of how the brain works.

Clinical MEG scans will incur costs, while participants are not charged for research MEG scans. Insurance coverage for clinical MEG scans may vary. Please check with your insurance provider to understand coverage, and our team can assist in providing information about associated costs.

We regularly conduct research studies involving MEG. If you are interested in participating in MEG research studies, please reach out to our Research MEG Lab scheduling department or our website for information about ongoing and upcoming studies. For further questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact our MEG Lab. Our team is here to assist you.