Theta-burst direct electrical stimulation remodels human brain networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuromodulation
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a patterned brain stimulation technique mimicking endogenous brain rhythms.
• TBS is a promising therapeutic approach for various brain disorders, but its neural mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural effects and mechanisms of TBS using intracranial EEG.
• To explore the relationship between TBS responses, stimulation parameters, and underlying brain connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Intracranial EEG (iEEG) was recorded from 29 frontal and temporal sites in 10 epilepsy patients.
• Neural responses to individual TBS bursts were analyzed for amplitude, spread, and dynamic changes indicative of plasticity.
• Cortico-cortical evoked potentials and low-frequency phase locking were used to assess baseline connectivity.

Main Results:

• TBS evoked strong neural responses across broad cortical regions, with dynamic local field potential changes suggesting short-term plasticity.
• Higher stimulation intensity increased response amplitude and spread, with more sites showing plasticity.
• TBS responses were site-specific, correlating with baseline effective and functional connectivity, enabling prediction of response patterns.

Conclusions:

• TBS induces robust neural responses and short-term plasticity, with effects modulated by stimulation intensity and site-specific connectivity.
• Baseline connectivity measures can predict TBS response locations and plasticity.
• Personalizing TBS parameters based on connectivity may optimize neuroplasticity induction for therapeutic benefit.