Transcranial Brain Stimulation: from Basics to Advanced Applications

Course description:

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), and since recently also transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), are important tools in cognitive neuroscience and human neurophysiology. The ability to experimentally manipulate local neural activity allows the investigation of causal structure-function relationships that complement the correlative approach of neuroimaging and electrophysiology. "Online" approaches, assessing the immediate neural response to stimulation, can be used to (i) quantify neuronal network properties such as excitation, inhibition, or connectivity, (ii) interfere with ongoing spontaneous or task-related activity and thereby affect behavioral performance, or (iii) modulate the level and timing of neuronal activity. In contrast, "offline" approaches can be utilized to either (iv) inhibit or (v) facilitate local neuronal excitability via synaptic plasticity, assessing its subsequent effects on neural activity and behavior. This workshop consists of lectures and discussions covering the theoretical background on stimulation techniques, physiological mechanisms, experimental paradigms, and combination with neuroimaging/electrophysiology, as well as practical demonstrations and hands-on experience.

Program: Day 1 – TMS, Day 2 – tES, TUS and lab visit, Day 3 – Advanced approaches

• Physics & Fundamentals
• Approaches, Protocols, Paradigms
• How to Determine Stimulation Site and Intensity
• Neurophysiological Mechanisms
• Safety
• Lab Visit and Hands-on Experience
• Clinical Neurophysiology & Treatment
• Neuroenhancement & Ethical Considerations
• Combining Brain Stimulation with Neuroimaging
• TMS-EEG Recording & Analysis
• TMS-fMRI Recording & Analysis
• Brain State-dependent Brain Stimulation

Lecturers: Prof. Til Ole Bergmann & Dr. Suhas Vijayakumar, Neuroimaging Center (NIC), University Medical Center Mainz

TransMed CP: 3.0

Next workshop: TBA

Venue: Seminar room, 3rd floor, Neuroimaging Center (NIC), building 308c

Maximum number of participants: 20

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Suhas Vijayakumar directly  via email.