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Updated: Sep 27, 2025
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Combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Published on: August 17, 2018
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High-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals Distinct
Elisabeth C Caparelli1, Brooke Schleyer2, Tianye Zhai1
1Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) modulates brain networks, impacting both stimulated and remote areas. This study reveals TMS may work via a top-down mechanism, influencing deep brain regions by stimulating the cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a therapeutic tool for depression and neurological disorders.
- The underlying neural mechanisms of TMS efficacy require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the neural effects of TMS applied to different dorsolateral prefrontal cortex sites.
- To compare Independent Component Analysis (ICA) with General Linear Model (GLM) for analyzing TMS effects.
Main Methods:
- 15 healthy adults underwent simultaneous TMS and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- TMS was applied to three distinct dorsolateral prefrontal cortex sites.
- ICA and GLM analyses were employed to identify affected brain networks.
Main Results:
- ICA demonstrated TMS modulated stimulated and remote brain regions, with site-specific and common network effects.
- Differences in laterality were observed in the executive control network, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex.
- GLM analysis primarily identified auditory cortex activation, irrespective of TMS site.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest TMS operates through a top-down mechanism.
- TMS may indirectly modulate subcortical structures by direct cortical stimulation.
