Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Non-invasive brain stimulation is a useful technique in both clinical and research settings.However, to date, most methods only use a limited set of stimulation parameters and operate in open-loop (i.e.without accounting for changing brain state).For instance, in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) the pulse length and shape are typically determined by the stimulator circuit rather than by the biology of the stimulation targets.However, recent advances in TMS technology have now enabled a new level of control over these parameters.In my presentation, I will discuss how stimulators using multilevel inverters controlled by pulse-width modulation (PWM) enable: (1) the generation of different pulse shapes and widths, which may help enable more precise targeting of neuronal populations (D'Ostilio et al., 2016); (2) increased repetition rates, which may enable more effective plasticity induction (Arai et al., 2007; Huang et al., 2017); and (3) changes in pulse parameters during a pulse train, opening up the chance to explore new treatment protocols.Additionally, I will discuss opportunities to combine these neuromodulation methods with sensors that measure ongoing brain activity, enabling adaptive stimulation and the potential to enhance treatment efficacy.I will discuss recent research which shows promising advances in: using event-related potentials to measure cortical responses to stimulation; personalizing treatment protocols by tuning the stimulation frequency to dominant brain oscillations; and synchronizing the stimulation to the phase of ongoing brain oscillations.Together, this rapidly evolving field of research into advanced pulse shaping capabilities and combining them with physiological measurements to personalize stimulation holds promise to help us improve stimulation strategies and modulate brain function more effectively.
Source: Brain stimulation
Institutions: University of Oxford, Magstim (United Kingdom), Warneford Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,830
OpenAlex ID: W4320907528