GCSP research stipend | Fall 2020

Observing Effect of Orientation, Location, and Threshold of TMS Coil on Motor Cortex Activation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation proven to have various clinical applications. This study examined the effects of (1) the TMS coil orientation during stimulation and (2) stimulation intensity on the magnitude of physiological responses to the stimulation of cortical regions involved in lip movements. The ultimate goal of the study was to determine the optimal location, orientation, and intensity threshold that generated the most extensive and robust physiological response. As a measure of physiological response, electromyography signals were used to quantify motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in response to the stimulation.