 The DLPFC is the region of the brain targeted during Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for depression. The DLPFC is a region of the brain related to executive function, and was shown to have relatively low activity in patients with a major depressive disorder. 

The role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) in depression

The coil used to deliver TMS in depression treatment is placed over the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, or the DLPFC. The coil is most frequently placed over the left DLPFC, and less frequently over the right DLPFC.

Northwestern University

Adjustable Parameters and Aspects of TMS include:
- Location on the scalp of the coil used to deliver stimulation
- Motor Threshold (MT)
- Intensity, Frequency, and duration of stimulus pulses
- Number of pulses

Parameters of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Janicack, P.G., Dokucu, M.E. (2015). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of major depression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 11, 1549-1560.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of major depression

Motor threshold (MT) refers to the threshold of intensity of transcranial magnetic stimulation necessary to trigger activation of the skeletal muscles when the coil is placed above the motor cortex. The motor cortex is a region of the brain central to movement and general motor function.  At the motor threshold, the stimulation should effectively activate the motor cortex and thus skeletal muscles when TMS is used over the motor cortex,. Motor thresholds vary across individuals. Administering TMS in relation to an individuals motor threshold allows for determination of appropriate stimulation levels to ensure safety and maximize success of treatment. Motor thresholds have been shown to be correlated to the distance between an individuals scalp and their motor cortex.

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