Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation System

非侵入性脑刺激技术对于理解中枢神经系统（CNS）中与神经可塑性相关的神经机制至关重要。神经可塑性是中枢神经系统与经验依赖学习、感觉-运动整合和神经系统损伤后功能恢复相关的适应的基础。经颅磁刺激（TMS）是一种有效的、非侵入性的脑刺激方法，它通过刺激线圈使电流通过，从而产生垂直于电流的磁场。磁场畅通无阻地穿过颅骨，刺激大脑皮层的神经元。Staines博士目前使用的TMS设备（Medtronic / Magventure MagPro x100）已达到其推荐使用寿命（约10年）。刺激线圈也需要每~3-5年更换一次。有两个特定的线圈需要允许在不同的频率模式的刺激。这种刺激可以通过对大脑皮层的单脉冲或成对脉冲配置来完成，也可以采用需要在短时间内传递多个刺激的重复模式来完成。其中一种模式被称为θ波脉冲刺激（TBS），即在短时间内以5赫兹（θ波）的频率以50赫兹的3个刺激的脉冲模式传递刺激。这种TBS可以以不同的模式传递，以短暂地刺激或抑制大脑的特定区域。目前的要求是更换目前的TMS系统（MagPro），包括2个刺激线圈和更换的脑电图（EEG）帽，以与我们目前的TMS和EEG （SynAmps2, Neuroscan, Compumedics）系统集成。这将使经颅磁刺激诱导的神经调节的量化在个体内部和个体之间得到极大的增强。这对于与感觉运动神经可塑性、认知神经科学和动眼病过程相关的神经机制的研究至关重要。该设备将允许正在进行的工作的延续以及新的协作团队的发展。来自几个学院（AHS、科学、艺术）的HQP将获得培训和使用设备的机会。

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are essential for understanding neural mechanisms associated with neuroplasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroplasticity is the foundation for adaptation in the CNS associated with experience-dependent learning, sensori-motor integration and in the restoration of function following nervous system injury. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective, non-invasive brain stimulation method that involves passing current through a stimulator coil that generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow. The magnetic field passes through the bone of the skull unimpeded and excites neurons in the cerebral cortex. Dr. Staines currently has a TMS unit (Medtronic / Magventure MagPro x100) that is reaching the end of its recommended lifespan (~ 10 years). The stimulation coils also require replacement every ~3-5 years. There are 2 specific coils required that allow stimulation in different frequency patterns. Such stimulation can be done with single or paired-pulse configurations to the cerebral cortex or in a repetitive mode requiring multiple stimuli to be delivered over a short time frame. One such pattern is termed theta burst stimulation (TBS) in which stimuli are delivered in burst patterns of 3 stimuli at 50 Hz delivered at a frequency of 5 Hz (theta) over a short period of time. This TBS can be delivered in different modes to either transiently excite or depress a specific area of the brain. The present request is for replacement of the current TMS system (MagPro) including 2 stimulation coils and replacement electroencephalography (EEG) caps to integrate with our current TMS and EEG (SynAmps2, Neuroscan, Compumedics) systems. This will allow the quantification of neuromodulation induced by the TMS both within and across individuals to be greatly enhanced. This is critical for studies of the neural mechanisms associated with sensorimotor neuroplasticity, cognitive neuroscience and oculomotor processes. The equipment will allow the continuation of ongoing work as well as the development of new collaborative teams. HQP from several Faculties (AHS, Science, Arts) will have access to training and use of the equipment.