# Real-time visualization and precision targeting in transcranial magnetic stimulation

> **NIH NIH R21** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2022 · $215,722

## Abstract

Project Summary
Title: Real-time visualization and precision targeting in transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive device-based neuromodulation technique for probing
neuronal networks and treating mental disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The treatment efficacy of TMS relies on placing TMS coils to accurately stimulate
the underlying disease-related brain target. Since TMS-evoked electric field (E-field) is affected by complex
tissue structures and brain geometry, it relies on using computational algorithms, such as boundary element
modeling (BEM) and finite element modeling (FEM), to estimate the stimulation site. But the relative long
computation time of these methods is a limitation for real-time visualization of the stimulation target during brain
mapping and for computing the optimal coil position for treatment planning. In this grant, we propose to develop
a deep-neural-network based method to accelerate E-field prediction. We will develop a novel deep-neural-
network architecture to predict E-field by using training data computed using the FEM algorithm with anisotropic
tissue conductivity. Then, we will integrate the trained neural network into a 3DSlicer software module for real-
time E-field visualization. Moreover, we will develop a computational algorithm to search for the optimal coil
position to maximize the stimulation of a selected brain target within a clinically feasible time. The outcome of
this grant will transform deep-learning techniques into a useful tool to enhance the application of TMS in clinical
research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10330032
- **Project number:** 5R21MH126396-02
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lipeng Ning
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $215,722
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-02-01 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10330032

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10330032, Real-time visualization and precision targeting in transcranial magnetic stimulation (5R21MH126396-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10330032. Licensed CC0.

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