Brain stimulation is used clinically to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Current FDA-approved techniques include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These approaches have demonstrated efficacy in some patient populations and have received FDA approval as a result. However, how current spread in the brain resulting from stimulation with different parameters remains to be investigate. In this project, we will use finite element modeling to compute brain activation resulting from electric current. The student is expected to develop head mesh models from MRI/CT head images, and import them to COMOSL for finite element simulation. Through this process, the location of stimulating electrodes and stimulation patterns will be optimized to maximize activation in desired brain regions while minimizing activation in undesired regions.
