SBIR-STTR Award

Magnetoencephalography (MEG), the measurement of magnetic fields generated by electric currents in the brain, promises to be a safe, sensitive, non-invasive procedure for the measurement and localization of normal and pathological brain function. The main objective of this proposal is to develop and implemnt better source localization algorithms. Single current dipole localization procedures will be extended and validated. An interactive graphical display will be developed which will combine dipole fit, time series, magnetic field distribution and head shape data. A source localization software tools library will be designed. During Phase II, the library wil be implemented and MEG data will be combined with structural images from MRI and/or CT.This project has the potential for significantly improving existing source localization software. The results will find application in the functiona study of the normal brain, improved localization of epileptic foci and other neurological disorders, neuropharm- acological studies, and in the development of new sensor technology for neuromagnetometry.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Magnetoencephalography (MEG), the measurement of magnetic fields generated by electrical currents in the brain, promises to be a safe, sensitive, noninvasive procedure for the measurement and localization of normal and pathological brain function.The long-term objective of this research is the development of MEG as a clinically useful functional imaging tool through the development and implementation of better source localization algorithms. Tools will be developed for calculating magnetic and electric fields in realistic head-shape models. Developments in computational inverse theory will be applied to the solution of the MEG inverse problem, resulting in a new technique for source localization, source activity mapping. Procedures will be developed for the integration of other modalities, including MRI, CT, and EEG. Procedures will be designed and implemented for improved graphics capabilities.This project has the potential for significantly improving existing MEG source localization software, thus extending the usefulness of MEG. The results will find application in the functional study of the normal brain, improved localization of epileptic foci and other neurological disorders, neuropharmacological studies, and the development of new sensor technology for neuromagnetometry.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Software will be supplied to existing customers and new purchasers of the company's MEG instrumentation. Improved software will increase the power of MEG, widen the range of clinical and research applications, and broaden the market for the instrument.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)