Can magnetic nanoparticles thermally assist the beneficiary role of transcranial magnetic stimulation?

Abstract

We present an experimental study of ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in agarose matrix exposed at a typical transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol (TMS). We aim to study the effect of magnetic field on the temperature response of nanoparticles and its potential assist on the therapeutic outcome in transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our results outline that, if magnetic nanoparticles are incorporated in a TMS protocol, they facilitate temperature increase and eventually milder magnetic fields with respect intensity, frequency and duration, achieve the therapeutic region of 41-45°C. Thus, such protocols may be safely tolerated according to the Brezovich criterion, that provides the upper limit of Hf product for patient discomfort.