Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Optimization - From Physics-Based Computer Simulations to High-Fidelity Head...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique.
• Computer simulations are used to understand tDCS current flow in tissues.
• Existing simulation methods require validation with physical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a high-fidelity 3D head phantom model for tDCS.
• To incorporate sensing capabilities at various compartmental levels.
• To improve understanding of tDCS effects on biology-mimicking tissues.

Main Methods:

• 3D printed molds were created from MRI images.
• Agar phantoms were fabricated with 18 monitoring electrodes.
• Electrode placement targeted specific phantom brain areas.

Main Results:

• Measured and simulated voltages showed good agreement with rectangular electrodes, except at excitation sites.
• Circular electrodes provided better electric field confinement than rectangular ones.
• The 3D head model demonstrated feasibility and comparability with simulations.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D head phantom model is feasible for tDCS research.
• The model shows a high correlation between simulated and measured brain voltages.
• Further testing is recommended to validate the model's reliability.