Evaluation of brain connectivity: the role of magnetoencephalography

Communication between regions of the brain, both normal interactions and pathologic traffic, is manifest by electromagnetic activity. Magnetoencephalography (MEG)--with high resolution in both the temporal and spatial domains, as well as a comprehensive, whole-head view--offers ready noninvasive access to this ongoing communication. The waveforms are amenable to a variety of signal processing techniques that can elucidate connectivity between brain areas. In conjunction with the other modalities acquired during the evaluation of a patient with epilepsy, MEG can provide information that is important for determining therapeutic strategy.