Imaging the Epileptic Brain using Multimodal Quantum Sensors

Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide and for 30%, medication does not work, causing them to have severe and frequent seizures. For these patients, surgery is often the best option, but it requires precise identification of the area of the brain that causes the seizures – called the Seizure Onset Zone (SOZ). Current methods to find the right zone where seizures start include medical imaging techniques such as MRI, PET and EEG, but these techniques sometimes don’t give a clear picture, especially when there are no obvious abnormalities in the brain. The granted project therefore combines two innovative techniques: superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SN-SPD) and optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG).

The first technique detects small changes in brain metabolism, while the second measures the magnetic field generated by brain activity – with incredible precision. By combining the techniques, the researchers hope to create a uniquely detailed picture of where and how abnormal brain activity occurs in the patient. This would not only help to more accurately pinpoint where seizures start, but also provide new insights into how seizures start and spread throughout the brain. The benefit lies in providing surgeons with better maps of where to operate. If successful, the project could therefore lead to more effective treatments and a better quality of life for people with epilepsy.

The program is lead by Daniel Lundqvist, KI and Val Zviller, KTH. Daniel Lundqvist is professor in neuroimaging and head of the Centre for Imaging Research (CIR), at KI. Val Zviller is professor in applied physics at KTH.