Magnetic Stimulation of the Human Brain with Low-Intensity Field

D. Lazutkin[1], A. Harkara[2], and P. Husar[1]
[1]Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Thuringia, Germany
[2]Simpleware Limited, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Published in 2010

The most popular means of depression treatment are psychotherapy, antidepressant medication and recently adopted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the human brain. To overcome their disadvantages we are investigating an application of low-field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) to depression treatment. The 3D electromagnetic model of LFMS has been developed. It employs 8 small coils disposed on each side of the head according to the international 10-20 system. Concurrently we are developing a realistic model of the human head with the help of Simpleware software. It is planned to conduct a validation of performed modeling against the field measurements within a human head phantom. Knowing the order of values for electric and magnetic fields involved in the process, it is possible to draft a technical specification on the stimulation device.