Accessing Cortical Connectivity Using TMS: EEG Co-registration TMS and Connectivity

The combination of brain stimulation by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with simultaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) recording has the potential to be of great value for understanding the cortico-cortical connections within brain networks and how they are linked to cognitive or motor functions. It can reveal how connectivity varies as a function of neuronal state, differing between individuals and patient groups. In this chapter, we will first provide an historical overview on the development of the TMS-EEG co-registration methodology and highlight the technical challenges that need to be faced for its application. We will then discuss the wide range of possible TMS-EEG co-registration techniques and what new information may be gained on the dynamics of brain functions, hierarchical organization, and cortical connectivity, as well as on the action of TMS action per se. An advance in the understanding of these issues is timely and promises to have a substantial impact on many areas of clinical and basic neuroscience. C. Miniussi (&) D. Veniero Dept of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy e-mail: [email protected] C. Miniussi M. Bortoletto D. Veniero Cognitive Neuroscience Section, IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy G. Thut Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK R. Chen and J. C. Rothwell (eds.), Cortical Connectivity, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-32767-4_5, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012 93