Modeling motor-evoked potentials from neural field simulations of transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract

Objective To develop a population-based biophysical model of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods We combined an existing MEP model with population-based cortical modeling. Layer 2/3 excitatory and inhibitory neural populations, modeled with neural-field theory, are stimulated with TMS and feed layer 5 corticospinal neurons, which also couple directly but weakly to the TMS pulse. The layer 5 output controls mean motoneuron responses, which generate a series of single motor-unit action potentials that are summed to estimate a MEP.

Results A MEP waveform was generated comparable to those observed experimentally. The model captured TMS phenomena including a sigmoidal input–output curve, common paired pulse effects (short interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, long interval intracortical inhibition) including responses to pharmacological interventions, and a cortical silent period. Changes in MEP amplitude following theta burst paradigms were observed including variability in outcome direction.

Conclusions The model reproduces effects seen in common TMS paradigms.

Significance The model allows population-based modeling of changes in cortical dynamics due to TMS protocols to be assessed in terms of changes in MEPs, thus allowing a clear comparison between population-based modeling predictions and typical experimental outcome measures.