Understanding Electric Brain Stimulation Course

Lesson 1 • Electroencephalography Fundamentals

Introduces EEG signal origins, frequency bands, and recording principles. Establishes the measurement framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Brain Organization and Functional Regions

Maps major cortical and subcortical structures to their functions. Grounds target selection decisions in anatomical knowledge.

Lesson 3 • Neuron Structure and Electrical Properties

Covers membrane potential, ion channels, and action potential generation. Provides the cellular basis needed to understand how external currents affect neurons.

Lesson 1 • Neuroplasticity and Stimulation-Induced Changes

Explains LTP, LTD, and BDNF-related mechanisms triggered by stimulation. Links acute neural effects to lasting functional changes.

Lesson 2 • Current Flow Modelling Concepts

Introduces computational models of current spread through scalp, skull, and cortex. Prepares students to interpret electrode placement decisions.

Lesson 3 • Mechanisms of Neural Excitation and Inhibition

Distinguishes anodal and cathodal effects and subthreshold vs. suprathreshold stimulation. Builds mechanistic understanding of polarity-dependent outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Stimulation Waveforms and Parameters

Covers pulse shape, frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle. Students learn how each parameter independently modulates neural excitability.

Lesson 1 • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Explains electromagnetic induction, coil geometry, and single vs. repetitive TMS protocols. Positions TMS as the highest-focality non-invasive option.

Lesson 2 • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Details tDCS device components, montage design, and polarity effects on cortical excitability. Establishes the most widely used non-invasive baseline modality.

Lesson 3 • Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation

Introduces tRNS spectral properties, stochastic resonance, and cortical excitability effects. Completes the non-invasive modality spectrum.

Lesson 4 • Selecting the Appropriate Modality

Provides a decision framework based on target depth, desired effect, and available equipment. Synthesises modality knowledge into practical selection criteria.

Lesson 1 • Cortical and Epidural Stimulation

Describes motor cortex stimulation, epidural electrode arrays, and their pain and motor applications. Extends invasive knowledge beyond subcortical targets.

Lesson 2 • Deep Brain Stimulation Overview

Covers DBS electrode targets, implantable pulse generators, and programming basics. Establishes DBS as the primary invasive neuromodulation standard.

Lesson 3 • Spinal Cord Stimulation Principles

Explains dorsal column activation, paraesthesia mapping, and burst stimulation modes. Broadens invasive stimulation scope to spinal targets.

Lesson 4 • Programming and Optimisation Strategies

Covers systematic parameter sweeping, patient-reported outcomes, and adaptive programming. Connects hardware knowledge to clinical optimisation practice.

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Oversight Structures

Explains device classification, institutional review processes, and post-market surveillance obligations. Prepares students to navigate approval pathways.

Lesson 2 • Informed Consent and Participant Rights

Covers disclosure requirements, capacity assessment, and vulnerable population protections. Grounds ethical practice in participant autonomy principles.

Lesson 3 • Adverse Effects and Contraindications

Catalogues skin irritation, phosphenes, seizure risk, and device interactions. Equips students to screen participants and monitor for adverse events.

Lesson 4 • Biophysical Safety Limits

Establishes charge density thresholds, thermal limits, and tissue damage models. Provides the quantitative basis for safe stimulation parameter selection.

Lesson 1 • Neurophysiological Outcome Measures

Reviews motor evoked potentials, EEG markers, and neuroimaging endpoints. Links stimulation effects to objective, quantifiable neural measures.

Lesson 2 • Hypothesis Formation and Study Design

Covers PICO framework, randomised controlled designs, and crossover structures. Establishes the scientific foundation for stimulation research planning.

Lesson 3 • Sham and Active Control Conditions

Explains sham stimulation protocols, participant blinding verification, and active comparator selection. Ensures experimental validity in stimulation studies.

Lesson 4 • Sample Size, Power, and Statistical Analysis

Addresses effect size estimation, power calculations, and appropriate statistical models. Ensures studies are adequately powered and correctly analysed.

Lesson 1 • Stroke Rehabilitation and Motor Recovery

Examines cortical excitability rebalancing, timing with physiotherapy, and constraint-induced approaches. Applies stimulation to promote neuroplastic recovery.

Lesson 2 • Emerging Neurological Indications

Surveys stimulation evidence for epilepsy, tinnitus, and disorders of consciousness. Prepares students to critically evaluate early-stage clinical evidence.

Lesson 3 • Stimulation for Mood and Psychiatric Disorders

Reviews TMS and tDCS evidence for depression, OCD, and PTSD. Establishes psychiatric applications as the most clinically mature stimulation domain.

Lesson 4 • Movement Disorder Interventions

Covers DBS for Parkinson's, essential tremor, and dystonia with outcome benchmarks. Connects invasive technique knowledge to specific movement disorder profiles.

Lesson 1 • Computational Modelling for Personalisation

Applies individualised head models and optimisation algorithms to maximise focality and efficacy. Bridges computational tools to practical protocol design.

Lesson 2 • Biomarker-Driven Protocol Adjustment

Identifies EEG, fMRI, and blood-based biomarkers that predict and track stimulation response. Enables data-driven protocol refinement across sessions.

Lesson 3 • Neuroimaging-Guided Target Selection

Uses structural MRI, diffusion tractography, and functional connectivity to refine targets. Elevates target selection from anatomical to individualised network-based precision.

Lesson 4 • Combining Stimulation with Other Therapies

Examines pharmacological priming, cognitive training pairing, and brain-computer interface integration. Maximises therapeutic outcomes through multimodal synergy.