Abstract: A ferrofluid chamber has a housing that is adapted to be coupled to a component that generates a magnetic field of sufficient strength to stimulate anatomical tissue. In addition, a ferrofluid is disposed within the housing for cooling the component.

Abstract: Induced movement in a patient is detected and correlated with a TMS stimulating pulse so as to determine the patient's motor threshold stimulation level. Direct visual or audible feedback is provided to the operator indicating that a valid stimulation has occurred so that the operator may adjust the stimulation accordingly. A search algorithm may be used to direct a convergence to the motor threshold stimulation level with or without operator intervention. A motion detector is used or, alternatively, the motion detector is replaced with a direct motor evoked potential (MEP) measurement device that measures induced neurological voltage and correlates the measured neurological change to the TMS stimulus. Other signals indicative of motor threshold may be detected and correlated to the TMS stimulus pulses.

Abstract: A simulated body part (e.g., head phantom) containing one or more sensors detects the time changing electric and magnetic fields created by a magnetic stimulation device and applied to the simulated body part. The sensors are connected to electronics that determine if the sensor output evidences that the strength of the applied magnetic field is sufficient to stimulate the patient. The measured signal levels may be varied to simulate patients with different thresholds and sensory feedback may be provided to the operator to indicate the accuracy of the positioning and orientation of the stimulation coil. The electronics may further include an analysis device that determines if the magnitude and duration of the stimulation is sufficient to stimulate the target nerves. The phantom or coil positioning apparatus also measures the location and orientation of the coil so that the trainee's positioning can be measured against a known result.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel method for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous stimulation. The novel method includes providing transcutaneous stimulation, reducing the transcutaneous stimulation at a first location, and substantially maintaining the transcutaneous stimulation at a second location. The transcutaneous stimulation may be created by electric and/or magnetic fields. The first location may be relatively proximate to the cutaneous surface and may comprise tissue, nerves and muscle. Also, the second location may be relatively deeper than the first location and include, for example, brain tissue that requires the transcutaneous stimulation for treatment purposes. The invention further may include locating a conductor on a treatment area and/or a transcutaneous stimulation device relative to the first location. In addition, the method may further include adjusting how much the transcutaneous stimulation is reduced at the first location.