COIL FOR MAGNETIC STIMULATION AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME

摘要

A magnetic stimulator (11), which may be used as a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, and a method for its use are disclosed. The stimulator comprises a frame and an electrically conductive coil having a partially toroidal or ovate base (12) and an outwardly projecting extension portion (14). The frame may be a flexible or malleable material and may be non-conductive. The electrically conductive coil may comprise one or more windings of electrically conductive material (such as a wire) coupled to the frame. The coil is electrically connected to a power supply. The device (11) may be place adjacent to or in contact with the body of a subject, such as on the head (100) of a subject. The device may be used on humans for treating certain physiological conditions, such as cardiovascular or neurophysiological conditions, or for studying the physiology of the body. This device is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain, such as drug addiction and depression.