The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the analysis of cortical plasticity

by

Gergely István Barsi

Recovery of function after central nervous system lesions is attributed to the reorganisation and rewiring of neural pathways, reintegrating preserved sensory-motor systems and implementing compensational strategies to overcome impairments. However, due to the heterogeneous mechanisms underlying motor recovery, the efficacy of rehabilitation shows large inter-individual variations across stroke survivors. The goal is to identify and assemble a sensible test battery that is applicable in clinical use in stroke rehabilitation to assess the individual patient’s state of neural recovery.

The presented research demonstrates various applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation as a research tool to investigate the effects of treatment modalities. The stimulus response curve technique is revisited with the intent to establish an optimised protocol suitable for clinical work and its potential is discussed in relation to identifying biomarkers for monitoring the recovery process of stroke survivors.

PhD lecture

By

Gergely István Barsi

Friday 31 January 2020

This thesis is based on Gergely Barsi´s research work at:

Department of Health Science and Technology

Aalborg University, Denmark

The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the analysis of cortical plasticity

To fulfill the requirements for the PhD degree, Gergely István Barsi has submitted the thesis: The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the analysis of cortical plasticity, to the Faculty Council of Medicine at Aalborg University. The Faculty Council has appointed the following adjudication committee to evaluate the thesis and the associated lecture:

Associate Professor Aleksandra Vuckovic

University of Glasgow UK

Associate Professor Maarten De Voss

University of Oxford UK

Chairman: Associate Professor Erika G. Spaich

Aalborg University Denmark

Moderator: Associate Professor Lotte N. S. Andreasen Struijk

Aalborg University Denmark

The PhD lecture is public and will take place on:

Friday 31 January 2020 at 13:00 Aalborg University – Room D2-106

Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D2 9220 Aalborg East

The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the analysis of cortical plasticity Chairman: Associate Professor Erika G. Spaich Moderator: Associate Professor Lotte N. S. Andreasen Struijk 13.00 Opening by the Moderator 13.05 PhD lecture by Gergely István Barsi 13.50 Break 14.00 Questions and comments from the Committee

Questions and comments from the audience at the Moderator’s discretion

16.00 Conclusion of the session by the Moderator After the session a reception will be arranged

Program for PhD lecture on

Friday 31 January 2020

by

Gergely István Barsi