Brain Stimulation Research Center

Brain Stimluation Research Center (BSRC)

The Brain Stimulation Research Center (BSRC) is a core research facility in the Duke University School of Medicine that provides equipment,and technical services to cary out noninvasive neuromodulatory research studies using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tDCS and tACS).  The BSRC also provides TMS training and TMS clinical research workshop.

Equipment

State-of-the-art neurostimulation, electrophysiological, and targeting technology includes:

Magnetic Stimulation

  • Three Magventure stimulators: MagPro X100 with MagOption, and MagPro R30 MR-compatible (2); associated coils including  B70, Cool-B65  and Cool-B65 A/P for both active and electrical sham stimulation; and MRI-B91 Air cooled coil for TMS-fMRI studies.
  • One MagStim stimulator: Rapid2 associated active and sham coils 

Electrical Stimulation

  • Solterix 1x1 CT tDCS stimulator
  • Halo Neuroscience Headsets

Electrophysiological 

  • TMS-Compatible Brain Products DC BrainAmp with 64-channels
  • Electrical Geodesics International Hydrogel Netstation EEG with 64-channels

Targeting

  • Brainsight Stereotactic Neuronavigation Systems (2)
  • Advanced NeuroTechnologies Adept ViperS850 robotic arm 

TMS Training and Clinical Research Workshops

TMS Training

The BSSC offers a 10-session training program in transcranial magnetic stimulation. This program includes instruction on motor threshold procedures and the use of all related equipment, as well as a seizure training to learn how to react to any adverse event. Over the course of these sessions, participants learn to successfully identify the hotspot over the motor cortex which elicits a response in the First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI) muscle and define the motor threshold relative to this spot. This training includes the use of TMS stimulators and coils, Brainsight neuronavigation systems, EMG recording systems, and the robotic arm.

Through close collaboration with the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) researchers can efficiently use information from their neuroimaging protocols (fMRI, MRI and DTI) towards the implementation of advanced TMS and tDCS targeting. In addition to facilitating brain stimulation research studies, BSRC participates in the quarterly TMS CME Fellowship offered through the Brain Stimulation and Neurophysiology Division of the Department of Psychiatry

TMS Clinical Research Workshop

The BSRC also offers a monthly clinical workshop aiming at increasing our knowledge on TMS, by discussing new papers, and ideas for new projects, presenting and getting feedbacks on our existing projects, and addressing any specific questions.

Researchers can apply to use the center and can apply for pilot time by contacting Greg Appelbaum: greg@duke.edu

Faculty and Staff

Greg Appelbaum, PhD
Simon Davis, PhD
Lysianne Beynel, PhD
Susan Hilbig
Courtney Crowell
Hannah Palmer
Connor Hile

Contact Information

Please contact study coordinators and technicians Susan Hilbig (919) 684-5939 or Hannah Palmer (919) 613-7665 for further information.

Facility Hours

The facility is staffed Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The Brain Stimulation Service Center is located at:

Duke University Hospital,
Rooms 54209-12, 54236, 54237
South Building, 5th Floor of the Red Zone. 
40 Duke Medicine Circle
Durham, NC 27710