Investigating non-invasive brain stimulation using multi-electrode transcranial electric stimulation modalities

• Applicant: Dr. Clemens Neudorfer
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2018 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 398582609

Non-invasive brain stimulation has the potential to replace existing, invasive treatment strategies (e.g. deep brain stimulation) that are employed in the treatment of movement disorders and psychiatric diseases today. Currently established alternatives such as transcranial electric stimulation and low-intensity focused ultrasound, however, feature distinct disadvantages that impede effective stimulation of deep brain structures. Temporal interference stimulation (TIS) constitutes a novel, non-invasive brain stimulation strategy that seeks to take advantage of the neuron’s intrinsic resonant properties to achieve targeted neuronal entrainment within superficial and deep brain structures. By applying two or more electrode pairs to the skull, independent alternating current (AC) electric fields are generated within the brain. As the two electric fields approximate one another in the center, constructive and destructive interference ensues. Owing to the novelty of TIS, the mechanistic underpinnings of the technology are currently limited and its effects on the modulation of ongoing neuronal activity and brain oscillations unknown. This is in large part owing to the complexity of the interference waveform that comprises both low- and high-frequency components as well as sub- and suprathreshold intensities. The goal of the planned research fellowship at the division of neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital (University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that govern neuronal entrainment in response to TIS. To this end a mouse model will be established to investigate the safety and efficacy of the applied stimulus waveforms. Electrophysiological and immunohistochemical staining approaches will be learned and applied to quantify experimental findings. The gained knowledge will be used to refine existing stimulation paradigms that can be safely and effectively translated into humans.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Canada
• Host: Professor Andres Lozano, Ph.D.