TITLE
A New Device to Improve Target Localization for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy
SOURCE
Brain Stimulation. 12(6):1600-1602, 2019 Nov – Dec.
AUTHORS
Trapp NT; Uitermarkt B; King Johnson M; Koscik TR; Garrett L; Heinzerling A; Zanaty M; Holland MT; Howard M; Boes AD.
ABSTRACT
Accurate identification of cranial midline structures is essential for many targeting techniques that use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), including the Beam F3 method used for depression treatment.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate whether a novel, laser-sighted device will assist with more accurate identification of the cranial midline relative to standard scalp-based measurement procedures.
METHODS
Three trained TMS technicians performed repeated scalp-based measurements to identify the inion and vertex on five subjects (n=54 measurements). Measurements were compared to points identified with the midline localizer device and the true midline as defined by MRI midline structures.
RESULTS
Use of the midline localizer was more accurate for midline identification than technician measurement (p=0.00025) and the ratio of localizing the midline within 5 mm was higher (78% versus 54%, p=0.008).
CONCLUSION
Use of a laser-sighted midline localizer device can improve the accuracy of scalp measurements associated with target localization for rTMS treatment protocols.
