scholarly journals Brain stimulation in zero gravity: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor threshold decreases during zero gravity induced by parabolic flight

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashar W. Badran ◽  
Kevin A. Caulfield ◽  
Claire Cox ◽  
James W. Lopez ◽  
Jeffrey J. Borckardt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Parabolic Flight ◽  
Zero Gravity ◽  
Motor Threshold ◽  
Earth Gravity ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
The Brain

Abstract We are just beginning to understand how spaceflight may impact brain function. As NASA proceeds with plans to send astronauts to the Moon and commercial space travel interest increases, it is critical to understand how the human brain and peripheral nervous system respond to zero gravity. Here, we developed and refined head-worn transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) systems capable of reliably and quickly determining the amount of electromagnetism each individual needs to detect electromyographic (EMG) threshold levels in the thumb (called the resting motor threshold (rMT)). We then collected rMTs in 10 healthy adult participants in the laboratory at baseline, and subsequently at three time points onboard an airplane: (T1) pre-flight at Earth gravity, (T2) during zero gravity periods induced by parabolic flight and (T3) post-flight at Earth gravity. Overall, the subjects required 12.6% less electromagnetism applied to the brain to cause thumb muscle activation during weightlessness compared to Earth gravity, suggesting neurophysiological changes occur during brief periods of zero gravity. We discuss several candidate explanations for this finding, including upward shift of the brain within the skull, acute increases in cortical excitability, changes in intracranial pressure, and diffuse spinal or neuromuscular system effects. All of these possible explanations warrant further study. In summary, we documented neurophysiological changes during brief episodes of zero gravity and thus highlighting the need for further studies of human brain function in altered gravity conditions to optimally prepare for prolonged microgravity exposure during spaceflight.

Three-dimensional optical imaging of brain activation during transcranial magnetic stimulation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Jingyu Huang ◽  
Shixie Jiang ◽  
Ryan Wagoner ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Glenn Currier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Optical Tomography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Motor Threshold ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
Noninvasive Neuroimaging ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Potential Tool

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the brain is an effective clinical treatment for psychiatric disorders. Noninvasive neuroimaging during rTMS allows visualization of cortical brain activations and responses, and it is a potential tool for investigating the neurophysiological response occurring actively during stimulation. In this paper, we present a fast diffuse optical tomography (DOT) approach for three-dimensional brain mapping of hemodynamics during rTMS. Eight healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. These subjects received 10 Hz stimulation with 80%and 100%of resting motor threshold (rMT), respectively, for 4 seconds for each stimulation. Significant hemodynamic activation was observed in all cases with the strongest response when 100%rMT stimulation was applied. This work demonstrates that fast DOT has the potential to become a powerful tool for noninvasive three-dimensional imaging of the brain during rTMS.

scholarly journals Antidepressant effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is not impaired by intake of lithium or antiepileptic drugs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Hebel ◽  
M. A. Abdelnaim ◽  
M. Deppe ◽  
P. M. Kreuzer ◽  
A. Mohonko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Valproic Acid ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Factor Group ◽  
Mood Stabilizers ◽  
Motor Threshold ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold

Abstract Introduction The effect of concomitant medication on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) outcomes in depression remains understudied. Recent analyses show attenuation of rTMS effects by antipsychotic medication and benzodiazepines, but data on the effects of antiepileptic drugs and lithium used as mood stabilizers or augmenting agents are sparse despite clinical relevance. Preclinical electrophysiological studies suggest relevant impact of the medication on treatment, but this might not translate into clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the role of lithium (Li), lamotrigine (LTG) and valproic acid (VPA) by analyzing rTMS treatment outcomes in depressed patients. Methods 299 patients with uni- and bipolar depression treated with rTMS were selected for analysis in respect to intake of lithium, lamotrigine and valproic acid. The majority (n = 251) were treated with high-frequency (10–20 Hz) rTMS of the lDLPFC for an average of 17 treatment sessions with a figure-of-8 coil with a MagVenture system aiming for 110% resting motor threshold, and smaller groups of patients were being treated with other protocols including intermittent theta-burst stimulation and bilateral prefrontal and medial prefrontal protocols. For group comparisons, we used analysis of variance with the between-subjects factor group or Chi-Square Test of Independence depending on the scales of measurement. For post-hoc tests, we used least significant difference (LSD). For differences in treatment effects between groups, we used an ANOVA with the between-subjects factor group (groups: no mood stabilizer, Li, LTG, VPA, Li + LTG) the within-subjects factor treatment (pre vs. post treatment with rTMS) and also Chi-Square Tests of independence for response and remission. Results Overall, patients showed an amelioration of symptoms with no significant differences for the main effect of group and for the interaction effect treatment by group. Based on direct comparisons between the single groups taking mood stabilizers against the group taking no mood stabilizers, we see a superior effect of lamotrigine, valproic acid and combination of lithium and lamotrigine for the response and remission rates. Motor threshold was significantly and markedly higher for patients taking valproic acid. Conclusion Being treated with lithium, lamotrigine and valproic acid had no relevant influence on rTMS treatment outcome. The results suggest there is no reason for clinicians to withhold or withdraw these types of medication from patients who are about to undergo a course of rTMS. Prospective controlled work on the subject is encouraged.

Low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation decreases motor cortical excitability in humans

2006 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 500-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Todd ◽  
Stanley C. Flavel ◽  
Michael C. Ridding
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Motor Threshold ◽  
Sham Stimulation ◽  
Motor Cortical Excitability ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
Active Motor ◽  
Motor Cortical

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex (rTMS) can be used to modify motor cortical excitability in human subjects. At stimulus intensities near to or above resting motor threshold, low-frequency rTMS (∼1 Hz) decreases motor cortical excitability, whereas high-frequency rTMS (5–20 Hz) can increase excitability. We investigated the effect of 10 min of intermittent rTMS on motor cortical excitability in normal subjects at two frequencies (2 or 6 Hz). Three low intensities of stimulation (70, 80, and 90% of active motor threshold) and sham stimulation were used. The number of stimuli were matched between conditions. Motor cortical excitability was investigated by measurement of the motor-evoked potential (MEP) evoked by single magnetic stimuli in the relaxed first dorsal interosseus muscle. The intensity of the single stimuli was set to evoke baseline MEPs of ∼1 mV in amplitude. Both 2- and 6-Hz stimulation, at 80% of active motor threshold, reduced the magnitude of MEPs for ∼30 min ( P < 0.05). MEPs returned to baseline values after a weak voluntary contraction. Stimulation at 70 and 90% of active motor threshold and sham stimulation did not induce a significant group effect on MEP magnitude. However, the intersubject response to rTMS at 90% of active motor threshold was highly variable, with some subjects showing significant MEP facilitation and others inhibition. These results suggest that, at low stimulus intensities, the intensity of stimulation may be as important as frequency in determining the effect of rTMS on motor cortical excitability.

scholarly journals Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Dysesthesia Caused by Subacute Myelo-Optico-Neuropathy: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-174
Author(s):  
Tomoo Mano ◽  
Satoshi Kuru
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Antibacterial Drug ◽  
Motor Threshold ◽  
Neuromuscular Dysfunction ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
Sensory Disturbances

Subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) is caused by the ingestion of clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline), which is an intestinal antibacterial drug. Patients with SMON typically suffer from abnormal dysesthesia in the lower limbs, which cannot explain the mechanism only in pathology and electrophysiology. Neuromodulation therapies are increasingly being investigated as a means of alleviating abnormal sensory disturbances. We report here the response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for dysesthesia in a patient with SMON. The patient underwent rTMS treatment once per week for 12 weeks. rTMS was administered at 10 Hz, 90% of the resting motor threshold over the bilateral primary motor cortex foot area, for a total of 1,500 stimuli per day. After the treatment had finished at 12 weeks, the abnormal dysesthesia gradually declined. At first, there were improvements only in the area with a feeling of adherence. Later, this sensation was eliminated. Three months following the application, most of the feeling of adherence had disappeared and the feeling of tightness was slightly reduced. In contrast, the throbbing feeling had not changed during this period. Dysesthesia may indicate a process of central sensitization, which would contribute to chronic neuromuscular dysfunction. This case suggests that rTMS is a promising therapeutic application for dysesthesia.

scholarly journals Effect of low-intensity magnetic stimulation on human attention span-Experimental Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
roohollah basatnia
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Human Attention ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

Attention is a cognitive and behavioral process that selectively focuses on the individual aspects of subjective or objective information. It has been shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain, or rTMS, can affect the networks of attention in the brain of some peoples. In this study we report the effects of our experimental setup(Beta-1 Device) on human brain. Current research shows the influences of our setup on human concentration and attention. Respected to the low number of sessions of this stimulation using the beta1 device and the significant effect of this stimulation, the beta1 system can be helpful in the treatment or improvement of attention deficit disorders. It is suggested that the effectiveness of this machine in increasing attention and focus should be studied by repeating this research and increasing the number of magnetic stimulation sessions of the brain. Due to the results of the previous researches in the stimulation of the DLPFC area and its relevance with the recovery of depression, the effect of stimulation of brain by this device on depression is expected. In the present study, the final scores of attention and visual and auditory focus in the IVA test were considered. It seems that repeating the research and measuring the different components of attention mentioned in this test can illuminate the dark angles of the present study.

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