Spectrum Health Acquires New Advanced Technology for Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy and Brain Tumors Made Possible by Philanthropy

The Jack H. Miller Magnetoencephalography Center to be the first in West Michigan to offer MEG technology

December 7, 2020

Grand Rapids, Mich., December 7, 2020 – Spectrum Health is excited to announce the establishment of the Jack H. Miller Magnetoencephalography Center, which includes advanced technology to help with diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and brain tumors. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is one of the most advanced functional neuroimaging technologies available for mapping brain activity, and this new device will be the first of its kind in West Michigan.

“We are so grateful for Jack Miller’s generosity that makes it possible for us to offer this important diagnostic technology to people right here in West Michigan,” said Darryl Elmouchi, MD, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan. “This advanced equipment is another example of creating world-class care as close to home as possible for patients facing life-changing health concerns.”

The Jack H. Miller Magnetoencephalography Center will give neurologists and neurosurgeons the most complete picture of neurological function and disease before performing essential neurosurgical procedures, leading to improved outcomes for both adult and pediatric patients. Currently, the closest locations for an adult or child to have access to comprehensive MEG procedures are Cleveland or Milwaukee.

Jack Miller, who served as CEO and president of Howard Miller Company for 48 years, has made possible the Magnetoencephalography Center to serve patients at both Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Jack has been a leader in business and philanthropy, supporting a broad scope of initiatives that make West Michigan a better place to live and work. In making this gift, Jack said, “Kindness, compassion, and support for the entire family are vital to the healing process. Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are filled with hope and healing. I am grateful to be part of a community that believes in making innovative health care available to all who need it, and I am proud to partner with Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in reimagining neuroscience care with the latest in advanced medical technology.”

MEG is one of the most advanced functional neuroimaging technologies available for mapping brain activity. It records magnetic fields produced by electrical currents occurring naturally in the brain. This is similar to EEG, but in contrast provides a much cleaner, more precise representation of the brain’s activity and allows for an unparalleled ability to localize the brain’s generators. It is non-invasive and provides advanced information about the location of the sources of epileptogenic brain tissue and brain tumors, as well as regions involved in essential function and as such provides a guide for surgeons by providing a map of surgical targets and regions to avoid. This helps to improve non-invasive patient diagnosis with less trauma, lower risk to the patient and better outcomes at a lower cost.

The Jack H. Miller Magnetoencephalography Center is under the direction of Angel Hernandez, MD, division chief for neurosciences at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and Paul Ferrari, PhD, technical director for the MEG.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

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