Optimization of TMS target engagement: current state and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuromodulation
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Neuromodulation aims to induce plastic changes in brain circuitry via stimulation.
• Individual brain variability impacts neuromodulation efficacy, complicating precise targeting.
• Understanding neurophysiological responses is crucial for optimizing neuromodulation treatments in neuropsychiatry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of anatomical precision in neuromodulation for neuropsychiatric treatments.
• To present TMS-EEG guided by real-time multimodal neuroimaging as a method for characterizing brain responses to stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with Electroencephalography (TMS-EEG).
• Employing real-time multimodal neuroimaging, including MRI-based anatomical segmentation.
• Integrating diffusion MRI-based tractographic analysis to map affected brain circuitry.

Main Results:

• The study emphasizes that precise anatomical targeting is critical for effective neuromodulation.
• Real-time TMS-EEG, guided by MRI and diffusion MRI, offers a pathway to characterize neurophysiological responses.
• This integrated approach aids in understanding and refining brain stimulation interventions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate targeting and understanding neurophysiological responses are essential for successful neuromodulation.
• Multimodal neuroimaging integrated with TMS-EEG provides a comprehensive approach to personalized brain stimulation.
• This methodology holds significant potential for advancing neuromodulation therapies in neuropsychiatry.