How to Use Concurrent TMS-MRI to Optimize Target Circuit Engagement

Validating target circuit engagement is essential for enhancing the precision and efficacy of brain stimulation. Concurrent TMS-MRI combines the spatial resolution of MRI with the real-time neurophysiological insights of TMS, allowing for direct measurement of brain response and validation of target engagement. Using examples from basic research in cognition, I will demonstrate how this approach can reveal network dynamics underlying key brain functions, such as memory and language. Additionally, I will highlight clinical applications, showing how target engagement can be linked to treatment response in depression. Practical considerations, including optimizing scanner parameters and experimental protocols to improve data quality, will also be discussed. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain strategies for effectively integrating TMS-MRI into their own research.