Numerical investigation of the electric field distribution induced in the brain by transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract

Results are presented on the prediction and optimisation of the electric field distribution obtained during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for deep neuron stimulation by using the finite-element method (FEM) in three dimensions. The effects of the geometrical models of the head on the distribution and penetration of the electric field induced in the brain during TMS are examined. For a magnetic field that can penetrate deeply and safely to activate the brain's central structures, an iron core is introduced and its core shape is optimised using continuum design sensitivity analysis (CDSA) combined with the FEM. It is revealed that the incorporation of an accurate brain model in terms of shape as well as conductivity values is crucial for improved estimation of the field distribution. The introduction of an optimised iron core is shown to enhance the magnitude and localisation of the electric field induced inside the brain.