Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation: The role of coil type from distinct manufacturers

Brain Stimul. 2020 Jan-Feb;13(1):153-156. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.09.005. Epub 2019 Oct 12.

Abstract

Background: Stimulating the cerebellum with transcranial magnetic stimulation is often perceived as uncomfortable. No study has systematically tested which coil design can effectively trigger a cerebellar response with the least discomfort.

Objective: To determine the relationship between perceived discomfort and effectiveness of cerebellar stimulation using different coils: MagStim (70 mm, 110 mm-coated, 110-uncoated), MagVenture and Deymed.

Methods: Using the cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) protocol, we conducted a CBI recruitment curve with respect to each participant's maximum tolerated-stimulus intensity (MTI) to assess how effective each coil was at activating the cerebellum.

Results: Only the Deymed double-cone coil elicited CBI at low intensities (-20% MTI). At the MTI, the MagStim (110 mm coated/uncoated) and Deymed coils produced reliable CBI, whereas no CBI was found with the MagVenture coil.

Conclusion: s: The Deymed double-cone coil was most effective at cerebellar stimulation at tolerable intensities. These results can guide coil selection and stimulation parameters when designing cerebellar TMS studies.

Keywords: Cerebellar-M1; Cerebellum; Connectivity; Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Electrodes / classification
  • Electrodes / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / standards