Wearable Brain Scans Offer New Insights into Multiple Sclerosis
Table of Contents
A new type of wearable brain scanning technology is shedding new light on how brain function changes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). For the first time, this innovative technology has been applied to MS patients, showing researchers how brain activity can be studied in real time during natural movements such as standing or walking.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers. This disrupts electrical signal transmission in the nervous system, leading to complaints such as numbness, balance problems, fatigue and visual disturbances.
Portable scanner
Researchers from the University of nottingham developed a scanner based on magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG). In contrast to MRI, which mainly images brain structures, OPM-MEG measures in real-time the magnetic fields created by electrical activity of brain cells. Optical pumping is a process in which light is used to move (‘pump’) electrons in an atom or molecule from a lower to a higher energy level.
A lightweight helmet and a portable control unit in a backpack allow measurements to be taken while participants stand, move or perform tasks, a breakthrough in functional brain imaging.
slower Responding Areas of the Brain
In the study, conducted in participants with and without MS and published in NeuroImage Clinical, the researchers found that people with MS showed slower activity in areas of the brain responsible for movement control. This suggests the brain is working harder to compensate for the damage caused by the disease.
Key Findings
- OPM-MEG allows for real-time brain activity monitoring during natural movements.
- Individuals with MS exhibit slower brain activity in movement control areas.
- The technology provides a new way to understand how the brain adapts to MS-related damage.
Implications for Future Research and Treatment
This technology has the potential to revolutionize how MS is diagnosed and treated. By understanding how the brain functions in real-time, researchers can develop more targeted therapies to improve motor function and quality of life for people with MS. The ability to monitor brain activity during movement is particularly valuable, as many MS symptoms directly impact mobility.
FAQ
- What is OPM-MEG?
- OPM-MEG stands for Magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers. It’s a technique for measuring the magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain, offering real-time insights into brain function.
- How is OPM-MEG different from MRI?
- MRI primarily images brain structure, while OPM-MEG measures brain activity in real-time. OPM-MEG also doesn’t require patients to remain still, unlike MRI.
- What are the potential benefits of this technology for MS patients?
- This technology can definitely help researchers better understand how MS affects brain function, leading to more effective treatments and potentially personalized therapies.
Publication Date: 2025/11/05 05:39:54