Development of a Sensor for the Characterization of the Induced Electric Field by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Coils

• Grant number: 24/13824-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics
• Principal Investigator: Oswaldo Baffa Filho
• Grantee: Joaquim Castro Penedo de Albuquerque Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07699-0 - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics - NeuroMat, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique used toinvestigate and modulate cortical excitability in humans. TMS involves a strong, brief pulseof current conducted by a coil to induce an electric field capable of depolarizing corticalneurons. In this context, there are different coil geometries, and each shape affects theconfiguration of the induced electric field. The shape and size of the coil influence thedirection, distribution, and intensity of the generated field.The project aims to construct a sensor for electric field characterization focused ontranscranial magnetic stimulation coils, based on the study conducted by Nieminen in 2015.Additionally, it is intended to perform this measurement process with four stimulators: acircular coil and a figure-eight coil, a double-cone coil, and a coil manufactured at theBiomagnetism Laboratory of the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Philosophy,Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto."