Numerical Simulation of Magnetic Stimulation of Spinal Cord – An Assistive Planning Technology

Lumbar magnetic stimulation (LMS) is used to reduce spastic tone increase of the lower limbs, to diagnose lumbosacral motor radiculopathy or lumbar spondylosis, and also in stimulating the expiratory muscles and controlling neurogenic bowel dysfunctions, motor function and posture in Parkinson's disease. The success of LMS could be enhanced provided pre-interventional, non-invasive evaluation of its effects is predetermined using numerical modeling. To provide meaningful insights, the evaluation has to be patient-related, and to this aim tailored computational domains are needed. This study is concerned with the numerical modeling of LMS using a computational domain constructed using medical images based techniques. The magnetic field and the electric field are calculated and the results provide guidelines in positioning and tuning the excitation LMS coils.