Group-level analysis of induced electric field in deep brain regions by different TMS coils

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is a non-invasive technique used for the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. In this study, we computationally evaluated group-level dosage for dTMS to characterize the targeted deep brain regions to overcome the limitations of using individualized head models to characterize coil performance in a population. We used an inter-subject registration method adapted to the deep brain regions that enable projection of computed electric fields (EFs) from individual realistic head models (n  =  18) to the average space of deep brain regions. The computational results showed consistent group-level hotspots of the EF in the deep brain regions. The halo circular assembly coils induced the highest EFs in deep brain regions (up to 50% of the maximum EF in the cortex) for optimized positioning. In terms of the trade-off between field spread and penetration, the performance of the H7 coil was the best. The computational model allowed the optimization of generalized dTMS-induced EF on deep region targets despite inter-individual differences while informing and possibly minimizing unintended stimulation of superficial regions and possible mixed stimulation effects from deep and cortical areas. These results will facilitate the decision process during dTMS interventions in clinical practice.