Ictal onset localization of epileptic seizures by magnetoencephalography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to localize the ictal onset zone of focal epileptic seizures by magnetoencephalography (MEG) and to compare the results with interictal MEG localizations, ictal and interictal electroencephalography (EEG) results and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in epilepsy surgery candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 13 patients with partial seizures during MEG recording were analysed. Measurements were performed with a Magnes II dual unit system. RESULTS: In six of 13 cases, the ictal onset zone could be localized by MEG, with all interictal MEG findings being confirmed by ictal MEG results. In four cases, the ictal MEG localization results were corresponding to the ictal EEG localization results. In two cases, EEG yielded no comparable information. CONCLUSION: Ictal onset localization is feasible with MEG. Both interical and ictal MEG contribute valuable information to the presurgical assessment of epilepsy patients.

Odorants activate the human superior temporal sulcus.

The human olfactory pathways are well defined up to the level of the prepiriform cortex but the neocortical projections and their functional organization are still largely unknown. We recorded whole-scalp neuromagnetic signals to olfactory stimulation with boluses of phenylethyl alcohol, hydrogen sulphide, and vanillin. The main magnetic response peaked about 700 ms after the stimulus onset. The three odorants activated overlapping cortical areas around the superior temporal sulci of both hemispheres, revealing a neocortical area involved in olfactory processing.