Evaluation of neuroplasticity-induced changes following repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment for various neurological disorders, using rapidly changing magnetic fields that non-invasively stimulate neuronal ensembles. The effects of rTMS outlast the period of stimulation, therefore suggesting the induction of long-term neuroplasticity. We will use complementary multi-modal imaging of the rat brain to visualize and evaluate alterations in neuronal excitability and longlasting changes in functional connectivity between brain regions induced by long-term rTMS. Small animal Positron Emission Tomography will be used to visualize changes in neuronal excitation and inhibition while Resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging will be used to visualize changes in functional interaction between key regions in the rat brain. Imaging findings will be correlated and validated with Motor Evoked Potentials that are an indirect measure of the degree of excitability of the motor cortex following long-term rTMS.

Keywords:NEUROPLASTICITY, NEUROMODULATION, NEUROELECTRONICS, NEURO-IMAGING

Disciplines:Biological system engineering, Biomaterials engineering, Biomechanical engineering, Medical biotechnology, Other (bio)medical engineering, Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing