Technological challenges of pediatric MEG and potential solutions: The Aston experience

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) offers significant opportunities for the localization and characterization of focal and generalized epilepsies, but its potential has so far not been fully exploited, as the evidence for its effectiveness is still anecdotal. This is particularly true for pediatric epilepsy. MEG recordings on school-aged children typically rely on the use of MEG systems that were designed for adults, but children's smaller head size and stature can cause significant problems. Reduced signal-to-noise ratio when recording from smaller heads, increased movement, reduced sensor coverage of anterior temporal regions, and incomplete insertion into the MEG helmet can all reduce the quality of data collected from children. We summarize these challenges and suggest some practical solutions.