Automated speech analysis to improve TMS-based language mapping: algorithm and proof of concept

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during confrontational naming can induce anomia or speech arrest and paraphasias and those can be used to locate language areas. This method is qualitative and time-consuming since a trained professional needs to analyze a long video-file of the mapping session. For data analysis we adapted an existing speech analysis method(1) to cope with TMS noise, which exceeds 100 dB SPL with each discharge of the coil. Our algorithm deciphered what was said and the reaction time (RT) of each utterance with a resolution of up to 10 ms, leading to a fast and quantitative analysis.

Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - October 10, 2019 Category: Neurology Authors: Laura Seynaeve, Deepak Baby, Hugo Van hamme, Steven De Vleeschouwer, Patrick Dupont, Wim Van Paesschen Source Type: research