Understanding how transcranial magnetic stimulation affects brain circuits
Biology and Biophysics of the Cortical Response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This study is looking at how a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects brain activity, using advanced tools to learn more about how it works, with the goal of improving TMS for people with brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brain circuits, particularly focusing on how it modulates neural activity in the brain. By using advanced techniques such as direct recordings from neurons and computational simulations, the study aims to uncover the fine-scale mechanisms of TMS that are currently not well understood. This knowledge could lead to better-targeted TMS protocols for treating various brain disorders. The research primarily involves non-human primates to gain insights that can eventually benefit human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and migraines, as well as other brain disorders that may respond to TMS.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are not responsive to TMS or those who do not have access to TMS therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved TMS protocols that enhance treatment outcomes for patients with brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using TMS for various brain disorders, but this specific approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sommer, Marc a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Sommer, Marc a
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.