We’ve developed and validated a concurrent TMS/fMRI setup to manipulate and measure brain activity at the same time. This online approach of combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows for assessing TMS-induced brain activity on an individual level. A dedicated MR coil array allows for high-sensitivity fMRI, particularly at the site of stimulation. Contrary to the standard birdcage approach, this coil has excellent imaging quality at the stimulation site; and due to its flexibility, the new coil can be combined with neuronavigation within the MR scanner to allow for accurate targeting in TMS/fMRI experiments.
This dedicated MR coil array is distributed via Magventure. It is compatible with the MRi-B91 coil, MagPro stimulator and can be combined with current neuronavigation systems.
Related Publications
Tik M, Hoffmann A, Sladky R, Tomova L, Hummer A, Navarro de Lara L, Bukowski H, Pripfl J, Biswal B, Lamm C, Windischberger C. Towards understanding rTMS mechanism of action: Stimulation of the DLPFC Causes Network-specific Increase in Functional Connectivity. Neuroimage.2017; 162, 289-296.
Navarro di Lara L¹, Tik M¹, Woletz M, Frass-Kriegl R, Moser E, Laistler E, Windischberger C. High-sensitivity TMS/fMRI of the Human Motor Cortex Using a Dedicated Multichannel MR Coil. NeuroImage. 2017 Apr 15;150:262-9.
Tik M, Woletz M, Navarro di Lara L, Sladky R, Hoffmann A, Hummer A, Windischberger C. Mapping TMS local and remote immediate effects by concurrent TMS/fMRI using a dedicated high-sensitivity coil array. Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation. 2017 Mar 1;10(2):489-91.
Tik Martin, Woletz Michael, Navarro di Lara L, Sladky R, Hoffmann A, Hummer A, Windischberger C. Multimodal assessment of TMS-induced acute effects. 22nd Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping, HBM – Geneva, 2016.
Navarro di Lara L, Tik M, Woletz M, Bukowski H, Stürkat IL, Lamm C, Moser E, Windischberger C. . Boosting the sensitivity of concurrent TMS/fMRI in motor cortex using a dedicated MR coil array. 21th Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping, HBM – Honolulu, 2015.
Navarro di Lara L, Windischberger C, Kuehne A, Woletz M, Sieg J, Bestmann S, Weiskopf N, Strasser B, Moser E, Laistler E. A novel coil array for combined TMS/fMRI experiments at 3T. Magn Reson Med. 2014 Nov 24. doi: 10.1002/mrm.25535. PubMed PMID: 25421603. 2014.