AN ACCURATE 3-D MODEL FOR MAGNETIC STIMULATION OF THE BRAIN CORTEX

We present a 3-D model for the simulation of a realistic clinical situ ation during magnetic stimulation, The electromagnetic problem is solv ed by reconstructing the inhomogeneous head tissues from magnetic reso nance images and associating relative values of conductivity to each t issue. Application of Maxwell's equations in the integral form leads t o an equivalent 3-D electrical network, whose solution gives the curre nt density distribution in the brain. The high spatial resolution and rigorous electromagnetic approach make this model an accurate and usef ul tool for stimulator design and for estimating the efficiency and sa fety of this clinical methodology.