Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is the most modern and powerful technique for studying brain functions non-invasively. To date, it’s most frequent clinical application is in the form of Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI), based on which it is frequently referred to as MEG-MSI or terms are used interchangeably - although they are not strictly synonyms. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has acquired a cutting-edge Elekta-Neuromag Vector view 306 MEG system and established the Center for Advanced Brain Magnetic Source Imaging (CABMSI) at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in 2005. This was the first MEG Center in the region spanning Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia and Northern Maryland. The UPMC CABMSI was the 4th Elekta-Neuromag’s center on the continent that resulted out a productive interinstitutional partnership spearheaded by L. Dade Lunsford, MD, (Department of Neurological Surgery).
The Founding Director of the UPMC MEG Center was Anto Bagić, MD, PhD, FAES, FACNS (Neurology & Neurological Surgery), who is currently Director of UPMC MEG Epilepsy Program and Chief Scientific Advisor for MEG Research. Collaborative national efforts of the Founding CABMSI Director Dr. Bagić resulted in the foundation of the American Clinical MEG Society (ACMEGS) and its first Clinical Practice guidelines (CPGs) that represent the first clinical MEG CPGS in the world. In 2010, the CABMSI was reorganized and renamed UPMC Brain Mapping Center.
The UPMC MEG Center (aka UPMC Mapping Center) is an extra-departmental entity focused on clinical and research applications of MEG. It was envisioned as a self-sustained module that “fits and feeds” the UPMC system: a resource center that provides a logistical framework for all clinical applications of MEG as well as the widest spectrum of research applications, from basic and applied research to clinical research. Clinical operations remain focused on the currently approved clinical indications for MEG: localization and better characterization of epileptic foci when other means are inadequate and pre-surgical mapping of eloquent cortices in preparation for an operation on various brain lesions amenable to surgical treatment.
Tens of MEG grants of various scope and magnitude, spanning from pilots to R01 awards have been and continue to be executed at the UPMC MEG Center.