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

Brain Stimul. 2009 Oct;2(4):234-7. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2009.03.002. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Abstract

Background: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a common target for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) experiments and therapeutic protocols.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal method for the localization of DLPFC for use in these studies.

Methods: Twelve 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.

Results: The 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.

Conclusions: EEG points provide a useful way to optimally identify DLPFC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping* / instrumentation
  • Brain Mapping* / methods
  • Female
  • Head / anatomy & histology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Cortex* / anatomy & histology
  • Motor Cortex* / physiology
  • Prefrontal Cortex* / anatomy & histology
  • Prefrontal Cortex* / physiology
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*