Advances in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Technology

Abstract

This chapter provides overview of the state of the art of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices, including pulse sources with flexible control of the output waveform parameters and a wide variety of coil designs. It discusses technologies for accurate TMS targeting, including electric field models, frameless stereotaxy, and robotic coil holders. The chapter addresses technological aspects of ancillary coil effects such as heating, noise, vibration, and scalp stimulation. TMS requires high energy pulses that present a technical challenge for the design of practical, flexible, and efficient pulse sources. The chapter covers technical considerations for the integration of TMS and neuroimaging devices. It discusses various coil configurations and their electric field characteristics as well as technical advances in coil field modelling, positioning systems, efficiency and cooling, noise and scalp stimulation, and sham. The chapter summarizes technical considerations for the integration of TMS and neuroimaging devices.