MEG & Mental Health: Tracking Brain Function During Treatment
A case study using MEG to track progress before and during intervention
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Our brains are always changing, adapting, and evolving based on our experiences. But when it comes to mental health, how can we actually measure these changes?
MYndspan uses MEG technology to track shifts in brain activity over time, offering a clear, objective view of mental health progress. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on self-reported feelings, MEG provides objective brain data on how therapy and other treatments impact brain function.
A recent case study led by our chief science officer, Dr. Ben Dunkley, and his team at SickKids Hospital in Toronto highlights how MEG can objectively track change in brain function following therapeutic intervention for generalized anxiety disorder.
An individual undergoing a structured therapy program - combining guided psychotherapy with a medical intervention - had MEG scans before starting treatment and again after two weeks.
MEG scans and cognitive assessments were used to measure changes in brain function over the course of therapy.
Measuring the Impact: What Did the MEG Scans Reveal?
MEG scans captured significant changes in brain function, providing concrete evidence of therapy’s impact:
Increased Functional Connectivity – The scans showed stronger connections in four out of five key brain networks, particularly those linked to cognitive control, attention, and emotional regulation. This suggests improved coordination between brain regions responsible for managing anxiety and mood.
Shifts in Brainwave Activity:
The second scan revealed a reduction in theta waves, as shown by the lighter purple colour in the second scan, indicating less activity. Theta waves are typically associated with deep relaxation, drowsiness, and internally focused thought, such as daydreaming. A decrease in theta wave activity may indicate a more alert and focused state, reduced mental wandering, or decreased excessive rumination, which is often linked to anxiety and worry. This suggests that the brain may have become more efficient in processing emotions and external stimuli.
MEG also revealed an increase in beta waves, shown by the darker blue in the second scan, indicating more activity. These waves are associated with active thinking, problem-solving, and cognitive engagement. Increased beta activity is often linked to improved mental clarity and better cognitive control. Certain anti-anxiety and sedative medications are known to strongly increase beta waves across the entire brain.
Cognitive and Emotional Improvements
Alongside MEG scans, cognitive assessments provided further insights into the individual’s progress including improvements in sustained attention, reducing distractibility and increasing focus. Interestingly, while the individual reported struggles with attention and memory, their performance on objective cognitive tests was relatively high. However, post-treatment improvements in sustained attention suggested meaningful functional gains.
The individual’s cognitive performance was compared against an extensive database of over 85,000 participants, ensuring a precise and contextually relevant evaluation. This database allowed for accurate benchmarking, matching individuals based on their age and sex, providing a clear and personalized picture of cognitive function.
Self-reported anxiety and depression scores dropped significantly following treatment, with improvements sustained at the three-month follow-up. The individual reported a newfound ability to remain present, decreased health-related anxiety, and a greater sense of emotional resilience.
Why This Matters
One of the biggest challenges in mental health treatment is tracking progress. Traditional methods rely heavily on personal perception, which can be subjective and difficult to measure. MEG changes that by providing concrete, scientific data that shows real changes happening in the brain.
MEG enables clinicians and patients to see the impact of treatment with objective, functional brain data. This supports more targeted, responsive care.
A New Era in Mental Health Care
This case study is a glimpse into how neuroimaging can reshape the way we approach mental health. With tools like MYndspan’s MEG scans, mental health care can become more precise, giving individuals the ability to track their progress just like they would for physical health conditions.
As technology advances, MYndspan is paving the way for a future where mental health treatment is guided by science, as well as symptoms. By making brain scans accessible and easy to interpret, MYndspan is empowering people to take charge of their mental wellness with confidence.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment program.