6 Key Insights to TMS-EEG: Outstanding Closed-Loop Systems and Short Latency TEPs

Mastering TMS-EEG: Closed-loop and Short Latencies TEPs with g.tec

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) combined with Electroencephalography (EEG) has transformed neuroscience research, offering powerful tools for understanding and modulating brain function in real-time. Today, two crucial topics in TMS-EEG are closed-loop systems and short latency TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs), which allow researchers to examine and optimize neuromodulation in groundbreaking ways. g.tec medical engineering leads this field with its g.HIamp amplifier and g.LADYbird super-flat EEG electrodes – precision tools designed specifically for high-quality combined EEG and TMS recordings.

Closed-Loop TMS and EEG: A Game-Changer in Real-Time Brain Monitoring

In traditional TMS combined with EEG systems, TMS pulses are delivered without real-time adjustments based on EEG activity. However, closed-loop TMS-EEG changes this dynamic by adapting TMS pulses based on the brain’s real-time state, offering tremendous potential for personalized neurofeedback and precise simultaneous EEG and TMS assessments of neuromodulation.

With g.tec’s g.HIamp amplifier, closed-loop protocols are streamlined, allowing rapid data processing and near-instantaneous TMS adjustments. By assessing combined EEG and TMS recordings, researchers gain valuable insights into how the brain responds to each stimulation pulse and can personalize intervention protocols for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Understanding Short Latency TMS-Evoked Potentials (TEPs)

Short latency TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) are vital for understanding cortical excitability and connectivity. These ultra-fast responses provide unique insights but require high-quality EEG electrodes for TMS recordings to capture the brain’s responses within milliseconds of TMS stimulation.

The g.LADYbird super-flat EEG electrodes by g.tec are designed to support precise, artifact-free TMS and EEG recordings, making them essential for studies of time-sensitive brain dynamics and the effects of neuromodulation. These electrodes offer the reliability needed to accurately capture short latency TEPs, advancing research in areas like motor recovery and sensory processing.

g.tec’s Advanced Solutions for Combined EEG and TMS Recordings

Achieving accurate results with TMS-EEG requires sophisticated tools that minimize noise and enhance data quality. g.tec’s g.HIamp amplifier and g.LADYbird superflat EEG electrodes are designed specifically for this purpose.

• High Sampling Rates: Essential for capturing short latency TEPs and ongoing EEG activity during TMS pulses.
• Artifact Reduction: g.LADYbird electrodes minimize TMS-induced artifacts, crucial for reliable EEG electrodes for TMS recordings.
• Closed-Loop Adaptability: The g.HIamp enables researchers to implement closed-loop TMS-EEG protocols for adaptive, real-time brain stimulation.

Using TMS-EEG to Assess the Effects of Neuromodulation

TMS combined with EEG is increasingly used to study the effects of neuromodulation on brain function, making it an essential technique for evaluating cortical excitability and network dynamics. Applications range from exploring motor and sensory pathways to understanding how TMS affects brain states in real time. Combined EEG and TMS recordings are invaluable in assessing conditions like depression, epilepsy, and stroke recovery.

Future Directions in TMS and EEG and Neuromodulation Research

As combined TMS and EEG technology continues to advance, closed-loop systems and short latency TEPs will remain pivotal in understanding brain function and optimizing treatment protocols. Emerging trends suggest that TMS-EEG assessments of neuromodulation will play a crucial role in developing personalized therapeutic approaches, supported by g.tec’s innovations in TMS-EEG technology.

Conclusion

By integrating closed-loop systems and short latency TEPs into TMS-EEG, researchers gain unparalleled insights into the brain’s real-time responses, setting new standards in neuromodulation research. g.tec medical engineering’s contributions, through g.HIamp and g.LADYbird superflat EEG electrodes, are helping to shape the future of TMS-EEG and its role in understanding and treating complex neurological conditions.

Read more about TMS combined with EEG: Hernandez-Pavon, J. C., Veniero, D., Bergmann, T. O., Belardinelli, P., Bortoletto, M., Casarotto, S., … & Ilmoniemi, R. J. (2023). TMS combined with EEG: Recommendations and open issues for data collection and analysis. Brain Stimulation, 16(2), 567-593.