Real-time high-resolution guidance for TMS brain stimulation
Near real-time system for high-resolution computationalTMS navigation
This project will build fast, detailed computer guidance to help clinicians aim TMS brain stimulation more precisely for people receiving treatments such as for depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use each person’s brain scan to make a detailed 3-D model of head tissues and then compute the electric fields produced by TMS pulses. The system is being designed to run these calculations nearly in real time so coil placement can be guided during a treatment session. The team will combine anatomically accurate models with faster numerical methods to balance speed and precision. The goal is to personalize stimulation targeting for non-motor brain areas like the prefrontal cortex.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people receiving TMS therapy (for example for major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression) who can provide a recent MRI scan.
Not a fit: People who are not receiving TMS, cannot undergo MRI scanning, or whose therapy targets regions with clear peripheral markers may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more precise and consistent TMS treatments that may improve clinical response and reduce unintended effects.
How similar studies have performed: Computational E-field modeling has improved targeting compared with simple spherical approaches, but truly near-real-time, high-resolution individualized navigation is relatively new and less tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nummenmaa, Aapo — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nummenmaa, Aapo
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 below.