Neuroimaging informed Brain Stimulation: Target, Dose, Timing and Context

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technologies, including transcranial electrical (tES), focused ultrasound (tFUS) and magnetic (TMS) stimulation, have emerged as promising interventions in human brain mapping. There is a growing effort to develop individualized interventions using MRI data, reinforced recently by FDA approval of a new TMS protocol for depression that includes individualized fMRI-based targeting along with other modifications with higher reported effect size compared to previous “one size fits all” protocols. This talk gives an overview on how neuroimaging can inform NIBS. We will also discuss the dimensions for individualizing tES/tFUS/TMS protocols to enhance efficacy. We propose a multifaceted approach of personalizing NIBS using neuroimaging, considering four levels: (1) context, (2) target, (3) dose, and (4) timing. We will introduce and share a single subject multimodal MRI database (structural and functional MRI and DTI) for hands-on experiences and discuss analytic pathways to use this data for individualized tES/tFUS/TMS using a polling system. By addressing inter- and intra-individual variability, neuroimaging informed brain stimulation encourages broader and more systematic adoption of personalized NIBS techniques to improve interventional outcomes in human brain mapping.