Developing a model to improve brain stimulation techniques for better treatment of neurological disorders
Official title: CRCNS Research Proposal: Collaborative Research: US-German Collaboration toward a biophysically principled network model of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10877867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving a safe brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help people with brain disorders by making it more effective, so patients can have better options for managing their conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034143-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neurological or psychiatric conditions that may benefit from enhanced TMS protocols.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not related to brain activity or those who do not respond to TMS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique used to modulate brain activity, which is currently FDA-approved for various brain disorders but has inconsistent effectiveness. By creating a detailed network model that integrates electric field simulations with neuron and molecular simulations, the research aims to refine stimulation protocols. This could lead to more effective treatments for conditions related to brain activity imbalances. Patients may benefit from improved therapeutic options as a result of this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving TMS efficacy through advanced modeling techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Opitz, Alexander — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Opitz, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noninvasive brain stimulation to reduce hyperexcitability in a Fragile X rat model
A small animal study tests whether low-frequency rTMS can calm overactive brain activity and improve thinking-style tasks in a rat model of Fragile X and autism.
-
Accurate, low-cost trackerless neuronavigation for TMS
A low-cost, trackerless computer-vision system to guide transcranial magnetic stimulation by precisely locating brain targets on each patient.
-
Sequential treatment additions to help long-term opioid therapy patients feel better
A multi-step approach tests adding low-dose buprenorphine, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brain stimulation to improve pain and quality of life for people on long-term opioid therapy without forcing a taper.
-
High-frequency brain stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain
A large, multi-site trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method to relieve chronic facial nerve pain for adults who have not found relief from other treatments.
-
Modulating how the brain processes thinking about others in autism with noninvasive brain stimulation
This project tests whether a noninvasive brain treatment (rTMS) can adjust brain activity linked to understanding others’ thoughts and feelings in adults with autism.
-
Closed-loop prefrontal TMS guided by real-time EEG in primates
A study tests a brain-guided TMS approach that uses real-time EEG to tailor stimulation to the prefrontal cortex, starting in non-human primates with the goal of improving future treatments for psychiatric disorders.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.