In 1997 a Magnes WH2500 Whole Head Magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensor from 4D Neuroimaging was installed at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. The sensor was purchased with joint funding from the University of Texas and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital as a dual clinical and research machine. Since installation, over 500 patients and research subjects have been tested using the MEG sensor.

The majority of clinical patients undergoing MEG testing are individuals with epilepsy. Until the advent of MEG, locating the source of epileptic seizures required surgical implantation of electrodes on the surface of the patient's brain. This method, called cortical brain mapping, is costly, inconveient and uncomfortable for the patient. In addition, because surgery is required there is always the risk of infection.

MEG, on the other hand, is entirely non-invasive, meaning no electrodes have to be implanted in the brain. Instead, sensors called SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) are contained in a giant helmet-like device (the MEG sensor). The sensor is placed over the patient's head and the brain's tiny magnetic signals associated with both normal brain activity and epileptic seizures are recorded and their location is calculated. (See "What Is MEG/MSI?" for more information.)

Prior to May 2002 both clinical patients and research subjects were tested using the MEG scanner at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital. These research subjects participated in a number of studies related to Dyslexia and Language Mapping research. In May of 2002 the Center for Clinical Neurosciences acquired a second MEG machine, installed at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR). The MEG machine at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital is now dedicated to clinical research and evaluation of patients with epilepsy, brain tumors, and other brain-related medical conditions.

Directions to the MSI Center at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital:

The MSI Center is located on the ground floor of Herman Memorial Hospital in the Gamma Knife Department. The most convenient parking is in the Texas Medical Center Parking Garage Four at 1406 North MacGregor. Hermann Hospital is immediatly next to Garage Four.