Higgins, H(iram) M(urray)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Techniques Can Modulate Cognitive Processing

“…It usually has an outer diameter of about 8 to 15 cm and induces currents that are maximal just underneath the course of its outer edge (with a reverse direction). Although it can be used to simultaneously stimulate both hemispheres (e.g., targeting motor cortex), the stimulated area coincides with its circumference so it’s not particularly suited for cognitive studies, which usually aim at stimulating more restricted brain areas (Epstein, 2008; Terao & Ugawa, 2002).…”

“…The maximal magnetic field is produced at the coil center, specifically, at the junction between the two round coils. This coil design allows a more precise targeting of delimited brain areas as the maximal electric field is induced just beneath the point of contact between the center of coil and the scalp, whereas electric fields induced at the edge of the loops can be largely ignored (Epstein, 2008; Terao & Ugawa, 2002).…”