Stimulating the posterior parietal cortex reduces self-reported risk-taking propensity in people with tobacco use disorder.

Previous research has identified a replicable role for the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in risk behaviors, but it is unclear whether this relationship is causal. Here, we used a targeted neuromodulation protocol leveraging a single-session of 10-Hz rTMS to the PPC versus a control region in the visual cortex (V5), as well as two active comparison regions [superior frontal gyrus (SFG), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)] (within-person, randomized order), to examine within-session changes in a comprehensive measure of self-reported risk-taking propensity (the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking or DOSPERT scale). Individuals with tobacco use disorder were selected as sample participants who present with clinically relevant risk-taking propensity ( = 50; 14 women, mean [] age=33.

Unraveling Neural Complexity: Exploring Brain Entropy to Yield Mechanistic Insight in Neuromodulation Therapies for Tobacco Use Disorder.

Neuromodulation therapies, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), have shown promise as treatments for tobacco use disorder (TUD). However, the underlying mechanisms of these therapies remain unclear, which may hamper optimization and personalization efforts. In this study, we investigated alteration of brain entropy as a potential mechanism underlying the neural effects of noninvasive brain stimulation by rTMS in people with TUD.