Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation: The role of coil type from distinct manufacturers

Abstract

Background: Stimulating the cerebellum with transcranial magnetic stimulation is often perceived as uncomfortable. No study has systematically tested which coil design can effectively trigger a cerebellar response with the least discomfort. Objective: To determine the relationship between perceived discomfort and effectiveness of cerebellar stimulation using different coils: MagStim (70 mm, 110 mm-coated, 110-uncoated), MagVenture and Deymed. Methods: Using the cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) protocol, we conducted a CBI recruitment curve with respect to each participant’s maximum tolerated-stimulus intensity (MTI) to assess how effective each coil was at activating the cerebellum. Results: Only the Deymed double-cone coil elicited CBI at low intensities (−20% MTI). At the MTI, the MagStim (110 mm coated/uncoated) and Deymed coils produced reliable CBI, whereas no CBI was found with the MagVenture coil. Conclusion: s: The Deymed double-cone coil was most effective at cerebellar stimulation at tolerable intensities. These results can guide coil selection and stimulation parameters when designing cerebellar TMS studies.

Keywords

• Cerebellum
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Cerebellar-M1
• Connectivity