FDTD-based Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation model applied to specific neurodegenerative disorders

• Magnetic propagation in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for neurodegenerative diseases is modelled by FDTD.
• A computing tool for the current underdeveloped TMS dosimetry in its emerging clinical application to AD and PD is presented.
• A realistic high-resolution three-dimensional human head mesh is used.
• Two realistic magnetic source models are employed: a circular and a figure-8 coil.
• Results show the electrical field distribution when magnetic stimulation is supplied to those brain areas of specific interest for each particular disease.

Non-invasive treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is particularly challenging in Western countries, where the population age is increasing. In this work, magnetic propagation in human head is modelled by Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method, taking into account specific characteristics of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in neurodegenerative diseases. It uses a realistic high-resolution three-dimensional human head mesh. The numerical method is applied to the analysis of magnetic radiation distribution in the brain using two realistic magnetic source models: a circular coil and a figure-8 coil commonly employed in TMS. The complete model was applied to the study of magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases (AD, PD). The results show the electrical field distribution when magnetic stimulation is supplied to those brain areas of specific interest for each particular disease. Thereby the current approach entails a high potential for the establishment of the current underdeveloped TMS dosimetry in its emerging application to AD and PD.