Scientists and clinicians do not know enough the mechanisms of the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation. What happens at the level of neural networks of the brain with the transmission of signals between cells? How does the effect of the parameters of the trans-magnetic coil depend? How does the effect of the particular patient depend?

Hi Dennis,

The basic idea is target stimulation of brain regions with strong magnetic fields, a less invasive way to do deep brain stimulation. The targeting in not all that precise in most cases. One idea for more precise targeted is the use of magnetic nanoparticles, but these things still need to be injected, and who knows what they would do long term. Interesting experimental technique for sure, though.

http://www.vilcek.org/prizes/prize-recipients/2018/polina-anikeeva.html

Scientists and clinicians do not know enough the mechanisms of the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation. What happens at the level of neural networks of the brain with the transmission of signals between cells? How does the effect of the parameters of the trans-magnetic coil depend? How does the effect of the particular patient depend?

It is beleived that the changing magnetic field causes cortical neurons to fire, but it doesn't penetrate very deep due to the fact that magnetic field strength decreases rapidly with distance. There is a good reference by Wagner, et al. 2007.