Localizing dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for noninvasive brain stimulation in adolescents: A comparison between BeamF3 and 10-20 EEG systems: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. It is a primary target region for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS). BeamF3 is a simplified method of localization of DLPFC for neuromodulation. However, the accuracy of this method has not been examined in children.

AIM

To compare the localization of DLPFC via BeamF3 and 10-20 electroencephalogram (EEG) systems in adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS

Twenty adolescents (10-15 years) were recruited from the in-patient child and adolescent psychiatry unit of our center. DLPFC localization was done and compared between the BeamF3 and 10-20 EEG systems. DLPFC localization based on the BeamF3 method at anterior/anterolateral/lateral position was compared with 10-20 EEG systems in 70% of adolescents.

RESULTS

The mean difference in DLPFC localization was 1.10 ± 0.81 cm (0-3 cm), with a difference of ≥1 cm in 70% of adolescents. This study found a difference between Beam F3 and 10-20 EEG systems in terms of localization of DLPFC in adolescents.

CONCLUSION

Comparison of these methods with MRI-guided methods may be necessary, especially when highly focal stimulation is desired for treatment in adolescents.