METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMBINED TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC SIMULATION (TMS) AND FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (FMRI) STUDIES

摘要

A method for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of astimulation area of medical interest, combined with functionalmagnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for visualization of theresponse of, for example neurons, is disclosed. An ultra-thinmagnetic resonance coil, MR coil, positioned in the immediatevicinity over an area where the response of, for example neurons,is to be detected, and preferably sandwiched between the TMS coiland the area, provides an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. TheTMS can be performed directly through the MR coil. A great dealof flexibility in the number of the TMS and MR coils in use andtheir spatial arrangement is provided. A corresponding system forthe TMS/fMRI studies is also provided.