MEG: A new tool for diagnosing PTSD

A recent article published in the Journal of Neural Engineering presents an exciting new study regarding an objective method for diagnosing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Often, those suffering with the disorder must endure countless visits with a mental health professional, who may eventually diagnose the condition. With this new discovery, however, individuals can be diagnosed early and receive the treatment they need.

The study consisted of seventy-four veterans who were examined using magnetoencephalography (MEG), which is a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. This was the first study of its kind, as x-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans have failed to show accurate results for this disorder. The MEG works by recording the activity of the brain with a millisecond by millisecond rate, which is must faster than any other brain recording currently in use. This is helpful because the brain constantly interacts with nerves throughout the body on a millisecond by millisecond basis, influencing behavior and cognition. This lightening speed recording of the brain’s interactions allows researchers to look for unique biomarkers in those patients exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. The study returned a ninety percent accuracy rate for differentiating those with PTSD from those in the control group, who had no history or diagnosis of a mental disorder.

Understanding that the brain exhibits unique characteristics or biomarkers in those individuals who have PTSD is a remarkable feat. If doctors have the ability to use MEG to record a person’s brain activity, looking for these biomarkers, it will be easier and much more objective to accurately diagnose PTSD, assess and monitor the disorder, as well as follow-up on treatment. It will also help medical professionals to diagnose just how severe the disorder may be and whether other mental disorders are present. Further, having an actual recording and documentation of these unique PTSD markers will allow patients to more efficiently prove their claims for social security benefits due to the disabling effects of the disease. Many times, individuals are forced to go through countless therapy sessions and doctor’s visits in order to eventually be diagnosed with PTSD. Even then, however, it is up to the social security administration or an administrative law judge to decide whether an individual cannot work because of the disorder. Having actual documentation of the severe mental disability will shore up any argument a person may make regarding his or her benefits. Moreover, having a definitive diagnosis from an objective standpoint may also allow for individuals to receive their social security benefits earlier rather than having to file for reconsiderations and attending hearings. It will make it much easier for an examiner to see what the disability is from the beginning.

The use of MEG in the diagnosis of PTSD will likely undergo many more studies. MEG has been used successfully to detect Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, so there is a significant possibility it will become a proven method for PTSD detection as well.