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Assessing rTMS effects in MdDS: Cross-modal comparison between resting state EEG and fMRI connectivity
Summary
Optimizing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for neurological disorders like Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) requires assessing brain states. This study explores using EEG and fMRI to guide rTMS, aiming for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows promise for neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, but variable response rates necessitate optimized protocols.
- Assessing baseline brain states is crucial for improving rTMS efficacy and predicting treatment response.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a balance disorder potentially treatable with rTMS, with prior work suggesting functional connectivity markers predict therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize rTMS protocols for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) by investigating neural activity guided optimization.
- To transfer a previously identified fMRI-based neuroimaging marker to a more accessible technology, electroencephalography (EEG).
- To explore the potential of integrating simultaneous EEG and fMRI measures for predicting rTMS treatment effects.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous acquisition of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) data.
- Analysis of resting state functional connectivity and neural synchrony using both fMRI and EEG.
- Investigation of these neural markers as predictors of therapeutic response in MdDS patients undergoing rTMS.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneously acquiring EEG and fMRI data.
- Identified correlations between integrated EEG-fMRI measures of neural synchrony and functional connectivity.
- Preliminary findings suggest these integrated markers may predict therapeutic outcomes in MdDS.
Conclusions:
- Integrating EEG and fMRI measures of neural synchrony and functional connectivity shows promise for optimizing rTMS protocols.
- This approach could lead to more personalized and effective rTMS treatments for MdDS and potentially other neurological conditions.
- Transferring neuroimaging markers to EEG offers a path towards more accessible brain state assessment for guiding neuromodulation therapies.
