Simulation of Magnetic Field Induced Current for Magnetic Seizure Therapy

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is currently on trial as an alternative to Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) to treat patients suffering from treatment resistant depression (TRD). This paper is concerned with developing a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind MST by employing finite element analysis (FEA) of brain. To this end, a model that consists of concentric spherical layers that represent a realistic anatomical head model has been employed. Simulations performed via COMSOL Multi-physics helped identify the dimensions and coil types for the MST device as well as the angular probing orientations. Largest induced current due to the externally imposed magnetic field was found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which act as a barrier to induce current in the gray matter. Different copper coil configurations were experimented with namely the cap coil, stacked coil and the multi-stacked coil. These studies are envisaged to provide a quantitative approach to virtually simulate the MST procedure and hence enhance the benefits clinical trials that are currently underway.