Exploring the optimal site for the localization of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in brain stimulation experiments

BackgroundDorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a common target for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) experiments and therapeutic protocols.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the optimal method for the localization of DLPFC for use in these studies.MethodsTwelve healthy subjects underwent a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a TMS procedure to establish the location of the motor cortex and a neuronavigational procedure to assess the relative position of the DLPFC. Several electroencephalographic (EEG) points and a position 5 cm anterior to motor cortex were established.ResultsThe DLPFC site used was identified as being approximately halfway between the EEG points F3 and AF3. This point is considerably more anterior than the point identified by measuring 5 cm anterior to motor cortex.ConclusionsEEG points provide a useful way to optimally identify DLPFC.