The factors influencing TMS mapping

Husselbury, Timothy (2018). The factors influencing TMS mapping. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

The functions of different areas of the human brain has fascinated academics for centuries, but it is only within the last century that a viable, non-surgical method to assess cortical plasticity and corticomotor pathways has become available, in the form Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (Groppa et al., 2012). TMS has wide ranging practical applications, including assessing alterations in cortical plasticity during rehabilitation or after specialised training using TMS mapping.

Nonetheless, there are a number of confounding factors that may influence the outcome of the technique, including the pulse type used, the orientation of the stimulating coil and muscle activity. The aims of this thesis is to investigate the influence of current direction, pulse type and muscle activity on TMS mapping outcomes.

This thesis confirms that map area is highly susceptible to changes as a result of alterations in current direction, pulse type and muscle activity. It was shown that sub-optimal current directions reduced map area, half-sine pulses produced smaller maps than biphasic pulses and muscle activation increased map area. This thesis shows that COG is largely robust to changes in the same factors. The findings from these experiments have important implications for TMS practice in a scientific and healthcare setting.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):