Abstract
Recent work has demonstrated that Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) can be utilised to create a wearable Magnetoencephalography (MEG) system that is motion robust. In this study, we use this system to map eloquent cortex using a clinically validated language lateralisation paradigm (covert verb generation: 120 trials, ∼10 min total duration) in healthy adults (n = 3). We show that it is possible to lateralise and localise language function on a case by case basis using this system. Specifically, we show that at a sensor and source level we can reliably detect a lateralising beta band (15–30 Hz) desynchronization in all subjects. This is the first study of human cognition using OPMs and not only highlights this technology's utility as tool for (developmental) cognitive neuroscience but also its potential to contribute to surgical planning via mapping of eloquent cortex, especially in young children.
Highlights
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures the magnetic fields associated with the electrical activity of the brain, and provides a direct quantification of neural population activity
These scanner-casts gave us precise knowledge of sensor orientation and position with respect to the cortex, and served as scaffolding to support the weight of the sensors and associated wiring. With this demonstration of mapping eloquent cortex and language lateralisation we show that Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) can be used as a valuable tool for cognitive and clinical neuroscience
We have demonstrated that a wearable OPM-MEG system can be used to perform a clinically important language lateralisation paradigm in healthy adults on a case by case basis
Summary
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures the magnetic fields associated with the electrical activity of the brain, and provides a direct quantification of neural population activity. Appropriate mathematical modelling of these fields subsequently allows reconstruction of electrophysiological activity with high temporal and spatial precision (Baillet, 2017; Friston et al, 2008; H€am€al€ainen et al, 1993) For these reasons MEG has become a useful clinical tool for presurgical evaluation of individuals with epilepsy, for localising the epileptogenic zone via assessment of inter-ictal discharges (Englot et al, 2015; Nakajima et al, 2016; Nissen et al, 2017; Nissen et al, 2016) and for mapping eloquent cortex (Doss et al, 2009; Hashimoto et al, 2017; Hirata et al, 2004, 2010; Pang et al, 2017; Papanicolaou et al, 2014; Wang et al, 2012). Successful MEG acquisition often requires the subject to keep very still (Stolk et al, 2013) which may not be possible for all subjects
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