ABSTRACT
Objective To characterize early TEPs anatomically and temporally (20-50 ms) close to the TMS pulse (EL-TEPs), as well as associated muscle artifacts (<20 ms), across the dlPFC. We hypothesized that TMS location and angle influence EL-TEPs, and that EL-TEP amplitude is inversely related to muscle artifact. Additionally, we sought to determine an optimal group-level TMS target and angle, while investigating the potential benefits of a personalized approach.
Methods In 16 healthy participants, we applied single-pulse TMS to six targets within the dlPFC at two coil angles and measured EEG responses.
Results Stimulation location significantly influenced EL-TEPs, with posterior and medial targets yielding larger EL-TEPs. Regions with high EL-TEP amplitude had less muscle artifact, and vice versa. The best group-level target yielded 102% larger EL-TEP responses compared to other dlPFC targets. Optimal dlPFC target differed across subjects, suggesting that a personalized targeting approach might boost the EL-TEP by an additional 36%.
Significance Early local TMS-evoked potentials (EL-TEPs) can be probed without significant muscle-related confounds in posterior-medial regions of the dlPFC. The identification of an optimal group-level target and the potential for further refinement through personalized targeting hold significant implications for optimizing depression treatment protocols.
Highlights
Early local TMS-evoked potentials (EL-TEPs) varied significantly across the dlPFC as a function of TMS target.
TMS targets with less muscle artifact had significantly larger EL-TEPs.
Selection of a postero-medial target increased EL-TEPs by 102% compared to anterior targets.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
Added source localized TEPs; Added standardized measurement error; Figures 1-3 updated; Supplemental figures updated.