MRI can guide stimulation, measure its immediate effects, or assess changes after a stimulation protocol.
Before stimulation
Structural MRI supports neuronavigation. Functional imaging and connectivity can help define candidate targets in an individual brain.
During stimulation
Interleaved TMS-fMRI coordinates magnetic pulses with image acquisition to measure stimulation-evoked BOLD responses. Chronometric designs add precise timing relative to a cognitive task.
After stimulation
Task and resting-state fMRI can assess changes following stimulation. These measurements answer a different question from the acute response during TMS.