Method and system for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on electroencephalogram signal feedback regulation

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a system for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on electroencephalogram signal feedback regulation. The method for carrying out transcranial magnetic stimulation based on electroencephalogram signal feedback regulation comprises the following steps: collecting an electroencephalogram signal of a target object, extracting an Alpha wave, a Beta wave and a Theta wave in the electroencephalogram signal, and obtaining the concentration degree and the relaxation degree of the target object; wherein fAlpha is the frequency of an Alpha wave, fBeta is the frequency of a Beta wave, fThera is the frequency of a Theta wave, and the time interval and the intensity of magnetic stimulation on the target object are determined according to the concentration degree. According to the invention, the problem that real-time feedback cannot be realized in transcranial magnetic therapy can be solved, so that a corresponding magnetic stimulation mode is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a method and system for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on feedback regulation of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and belongs to the technical field of brain cognitive science research and medical auxiliary equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of transcranial magnetic stimulation technology, the integration of transcranial magnetic stimulation technology and electroencephalogram imaging technology has also become an important tool for studying brain function and brain activity. However, TMS-EEG technology is not a simple stacking of two technologies. There are still some technical problems to be studied after the combination. For example, the strong pulsed magnetic field generated by TMS will cause huge interference to the signals collected by EEG, affecting the feedback results. The time-varying magnetic field will cause high-conductivity EEG electrodes to generate eddy currents, causing the electrodes to heat up and cause damage to the human body. In addition, most of the current transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are open-loop brain control systems. They cannot analyze the information fed back by the brain in real time to adjust the stimulation intensity while recording EEG.

[0003] A transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) with EEG feedback modulation collects and analyzes EEG signals to determine neuronal activity and neural network structure in the target brain region. It then uses a transcranial magnetic device to generate a magnetic field of a specific frequency and amplitude to stimulate and modulate the brain, thereby treating or alleviating certain neurological disorders and training attention. Furthermore, the EEG electrodes of a TMS with EEG feedback modulation are positioned farther from the coil, minimizing the impact of the strong pulsed magnetic field generated by TMS.

[0004] CN115364377A provides a closed-loop transcranial magnetic stimulation system. The transcranial magnetic stimulation device includes a robotic arm and a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil, which is mounted on the robotic arm. The robotic arm is used to move the transcranial magnetic stimulation coil to a stimulation position where the center of the transcranial magnetic stimulation coil coincides with the stimulation target corresponding to the i-th transcranial magnetic stimulation, based on the control instructions for the i-th transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, this closed-loop system can only adjust the coil position and cannot change the stimulation mode of the transcranial magnetic device. CN115591125A provides a positioning cap for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The cap comprises a hemispherical outer shell, two ear holes, one located on the left and right mid-edges of the outer shell, corresponding to the location of the human ear, and a TMS method based on the positioning cap. The device not only meets the signal generation requirements of existing TMS technology for hardware circuits, but also supports real-time monitoring, feedback, and display of electrode-scalp impedance. By setting a warning threshold, an alarm is issued and the power is automatically turned off when the impedance exceeds a safety threshold, significantly improving the device's safety. This device is also miniaturized, portable, and wearable. However, this invention only monitors the user's scalp impedance during TMS treatment and cannot detect changes in the user's EEG waveform. CN114225221A provides a real-time monitoring system, method, device, equipment, and medium for TMS. These systems address the problem of head deviation during TMS, enable real-time determination of head contour position, and improve TMS accuracy. However, they still fail to address the problem of real-time monitoring of EEG signal feedback during TMS treatment. CN114366127A provides a whole-brain EEG cap for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. All electrodes on the EEG cap body are C-shaped and made of silver material with silver chloride coating. This can reduce the eddy currents and heat generated by the electrodes during stimulation using the transcranial magnetic therapy device, thereby improving the user experience and reducing the impact of scalp stimulation on EEG signal acquisition.

[0005] Since the EEG cap covers the cerebellum and adds cerebellum collection electrodes, it can extract the cerebellum's EEG signals for cerebellum electrical signal collection and analysis. The two patch electrodes are used to collect the chest area ECG signals, which can be used to eliminate the interference of ECG signals on cerebellum electrical signals. However, it does not explain why the silver chloride coating can reduce the eddy current and heat generated by the electrodes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and system for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation. The magnetic stimulator and electrodes are fixed inside the support cap and are equipped with signal processing and conversion equipment. This solves the problems of not being able to analyze the brain feedback information in real time while recording EEG to adjust the stimulation intensity and the problem of electrode heating causing damage to the user, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned object of the invention, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention include:

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation, comprising:

[0009] Collecting the EEG signal of the target subject, extracting the Alpha wave, Beta wave, and Theta wave in the EEG signal, and obtaining the concentration and relaxation level of the target subject;

[0010]

[0011]

[0012] Among them, f Alpha is the frequency of the Alpha wave, f Beta is the frequency of the Beta wave, f Theta is the frequency of the Theta wave,

[0013] The time interval and intensity of the magnetic stimulation performed on the target object are determined according to the concentration level or the relaxation level.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation for implementing the method of transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation, comprising:

[0015] a magnetic stimulation generating unit, at least for providing the magnetic stimulation;

[0016] A brain wave acquisition unit, at least for acquiring brain wave signals of a target object;

[0017] A data processing control unit is connected to the magnetic stimulation generating unit and the brain wave acquisition unit respectively, and is used at least to receive the brain wave signal, and obtain the concentration and relaxation of the target object based on the brain wave signal, and adjust the magnetic field strength of the magnetic stimulation output by the magnetic stimulation generating unit according to the concentration or relaxation.

[0018] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention include: the present invention provides a method and system for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation. The combined use of a small transcranial magnetic device and an EEG device can allow users to more intuitively feel the effectiveness of the device and improve the user's usage effect. Obviously, the combination of the transcranial magnetic device and the EEG device can observe the user's EEG waveform in real time, and then matching the corresponding stimulation mode according to the obtained EEG waveform can maximize the usage effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the application of a transcranial magnetic stimulator with EEG signal feedback regulation constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the support cap;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the present invention for implementing closed-loop feedback;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the effect of the EEG stimulation mode (concentration) of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the effect of the EEG regulation stimulation mode of the present invention (relaxation degree). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the inventors of this case, after long-term research and extensive practice, have proposed the technical solution of the present invention. The following will further explain this technical solution, its implementation process and principles.

[0025] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation, comprising:

[0026] Collecting the EEG signal of the target subject, extracting the Alpha wave, Beta wave, and Theta wave in the EEG signal, and obtaining the concentration and relaxation level of the target subject;

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] Among them, f Alpha is the frequency of the Alpha wave, f Beta is the frequency of the Beta wave, f Theta is the frequency of the Theta wave,

[0030] The time interval and intensity of the magnetic stimulation to the target object are determined according to the concentration level.

[0031] Furthermore, f Alpha 8Hz-12Hz, f Beta 12Hz-27Hz, f Theta 3Hz-8Hz.

[0032] In a more specific embodiment, when the concentration level is 0-16, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 12 seconds, and when the concentration level is 16-31, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 6 seconds;

[0033] When the concentration level was 31-45, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 12 seconds; when the concentration level was 45-55, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 6 seconds;

[0034] When the concentration level was 55-65, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 12 seconds, and when the concentration level was 65-75, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 6 seconds;

[0035] When the concentration is 75-85, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 12s, and when the concentration is 85-100, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 6s.

[0036] In a more specific embodiment, when the concentration level is 0-30, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 148-151 mT;

[0037] When the concentration level is 30-55, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 120-122mT;

[0038] When the concentration level is 55-75, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 95-97mT;

[0039] When the concentration level is 75-100, the magnetic field strength for magnetic stimulation is 74-77mT.

[0040] In a more specific embodiment, the method for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation specifically includes: applying the magnetic stimulation with an electrically connected magnetic stimulator and a pulse current generator, and changing the magnetic field intensity of the magnetic stimulation by adjusting at least one of the intensity, time interval and waveform of the current provided by the pulse current generator.

[0041] Another aspect of the present invention provides a transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation for implementing the method of transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation, comprising:

[0042] a magnetic stimulation generating unit, at least for providing the magnetic stimulation;

[0043] A brain wave acquisition unit, at least for acquiring brain wave signals of a target object;

[0044] A data processing control unit is connected to the magnetic stimulation generating unit and the brain wave acquisition unit respectively, and is used at least to receive the brain wave signal, and obtain the concentration and relaxation of the target object based on the brain wave signal, and adjust the magnetic field strength of the magnetic stimulation output by the magnetic stimulation generating unit according to the concentration or relaxation.

[0045] Furthermore, the magnetic stimulation generating unit includes a magnetic stimulator and a pulse current generator, the magnetic stimulator and the pulse current generator are electrically connected, and the pulse current generator and the data processing control unit are electrically connected.

[0046] Furthermore, the magnetic stimulator includes a magnetic core and at least one metal coil, wherein the metal coil is wound on the magnetic core and is electrically connected to the pulse current generator. The metal coil may be a copper coil, and the material of the magnetic core may be at least one of electrical pure iron, iron-cobalt alloy, or iron-nickel alloy.

[0047] Furthermore, the pulse current generator includes a pulse power supply, and the intensity, interval length and pulse duration of the current output by the pulse power supply can be controlled by the data processing control unit package. The pulse power supply uses a thyristor or IGBT element to build a trigger circuit.

[0048] Furthermore, the EEG acquisition unit includes a plurality of electrodes and an EEG processor, the electrodes are connected to the EEG processor, and the EEG processor is used to collect and analyze EEG signals.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrode is a patch electrode, and the material of the electrode can be at least one of silver chloride, silver, silver-silver chloride, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, the EEG acquisition unit also includes a signal transmitter, which is used to transmit the EEG signal obtained by the EEG processor to the data processing control unit.

[0051] Furthermore, the signal transmitter includes a Bluetooth module.

[0052] Furthermore, the data processing control unit includes a single-chip microcomputer and a host computer. The data processing control unit can define an algorithm program to process the received EEG signals according to the preset relaxation level and concentration level, and thereby control the pulse power supply to output currents of different rhythms and intensities.

[0053] Furthermore, the transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation also includes: a support cap, the magnetic stimulator and the electrodes are arranged on the support cap, and the support cap can be worn on the head of the target object.

[0054] The technical solution, its implementation process and principles will be further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation cases. Unless otherwise specified, the pulse power supply, magnetic stimulator, Bluetooth module, patch electrode, single-chip microcomputer and host computer used in the present invention can all be purchased commercially.

[0055] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the application of a transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system includes a magnetic stimulator 1, a pulse current generator 4, a support cap, an electrode 2, an EEG processor, and a data processing control unit 3. The magnetic stimulator 1 is electrically connected to the pulse current generator 4, which provides voltage to the magnetic stimulator 1 to generate a strong magnetic field. The electrode 2 is electrically connected to the EEG processor, and the pulse current generator 4 and the EEG processor are connected to the data processing control unit 3. The magnetic stimulator 1 and the electrode 2 are arranged on the support cap, and the support cap is worn on the head of the target object.

[0056] Specifically, the magnetic stimulator is formed by winding a single or multiple turns of copper wire on a metal core, and the pulse current generator 4 includes a pulse power supply. More specifically, the pulse power supply can be integrated with the data processing control unit.

[0057] Specifically, electrode 2 uses a silver chloride electrode, which can reduce the interference of strong magnetic fields on EEG signals. The EEG processor can be a single-channel or multi-channel EEG device. The EEG processor includes an EEG processing chip and a Bluetooth module. The EEG processing chip can analyze and collect EEG signals and send the EEG signals to the data processing control unit through Bluetooth or wired transmission. The data processing and control unit 3 communicates with the pulse current generator internally using a serial port, which can minimize communication delays and send control instructions to the transcranial pulse current generator in real time after analyzing the data.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the electrode 2, the magnetic stimulator 1 and the EEG processing chip 11 are all arranged inside the support cap. The electrode 2 can have good contact with the scalp of the target object and is close to the head of the target object. The magnetic stimulator 1 is located directly above the head of the target object and can also be close to the target object, thereby increasing the electromagnetic induction intensity and thus improving the accuracy of the treatment. The electrode 2 is far away from the magnetic stimulator 1, which can reduce the interference of the strong magnetic field on the electrode.

[0059] Specifically, the data processing control unit includes a data processor and a display. The data processor and the pulse current generator are integrated, and the display is exposed to the outside. The data processor can convert the processed signal into a clearer and more intuitive waveform and pie chart form and match the signal obtained after data processing with the corresponding control instruction and send it to the pulse current generator, thereby changing the stimulation mode. More specifically, the data processing control unit can obtain the corresponding stimulation mode according to the concentration or relaxation value of the measured EEG signal, wherein the generated control instruction is generated by calculating and processing the EEG signal measured over a period of time.

[0060] Specifically, the data processing control unit can select a corresponding training mode according to the user's own needs. The training mode includes two modes: concentration training and human relaxation. Optionally, the transmission mode of the EEG signal can be selected according to the user's own needs. The transmission mode in the present invention includes two modes: wired transmission and Bluetooth transmission. Furthermore, when the device is turned on, the data processing control unit can automatically analyze the signal data transmitted by the single or multi-channel EEG device and directly display the processed data on the screen in the form of a waveform graph and a pie chart, and there will be a real-time concentration and relaxation numerical display. The data processing control unit has a very low delay in receiving the single or multi-channel EEG signal, which can reflect the user's EEG condition in real time and reduce the occurrence of conflicts between the stimulation mode and the user's real-time condition. The data processing control unit communicates with the pulse current generator through a serial port, which can effectively reduce communication delays and change the stimulation mode according to the user's real-time status. The pulse current generator can output different forms of current to the magnetic stimulator according to the stimulation mode, such as intensity, interval, waveform characteristics, etc., and change the magnetic field strength on the magnetic stimulator accordingly.

[0061] It should be noted that the concentration and relaxation obtained by the data processing control unit are two psychological states, which have different effects on attention. Concentration refers to the degree of concentration on a certain thing, also known as concentration. Individuals with high concentration can handle the matter more effectively and reduce distractions during the processing process; relaxation refers to the degree of psychological ease. The higher the relaxation, the easier it is for the target object to feel happy, calm or at ease. The value range of concentration and relaxation in the present invention is 0-100. The higher the value, the more focused or relaxed the corresponding user is.

[0062] The definition formula of the so-called concentration and relaxation algorithm mentioned above is as follows: Alpha, Beta and Theta are brain potentials of different frequencies collected by electrodes, among which the frequency corresponding to the Alpha wave is 8-12Hz, the frequency corresponding to the Beta wave is 12-27Hz and the frequency corresponding to the Theta wave is 3-8Hz.

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a closed-loop feedback flow chart. The control method based on concentration is:

[0066] When the concentration level is 0-31: select level 4. When the concentration level is 0-16, the stimulation interval is 12 seconds. When the concentration level is 16-31, the stimulation interval is 6 seconds.

[0067] When the concentration level is 31-55: select level 3. When the concentration level is 31-45, the stimulation interval is 12 seconds. When the concentration level is 45-55, the stimulation interval is 6 seconds.

[0068] When the concentration is 55-75: select level 2. When the concentration is 55-65, the stimulation interval is 12s; when the concentration is 65-75, the stimulation interval is 6s.

[0069] When the concentration is 75-100: Select level 1. When the concentration is 75-85, the stimulation interval is 12s. When the concentration is 85-100, the stimulation interval is 6s.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The following figure shows the changes in concentration and stimulation voltage during the concentration training mode. When the concentration level was 46, 50, and 52, the stimulation level was 3, with a 6-second interval; when the concentration level was 60 and 61, the stimulation level was 2, with a 12-second interval; when the concentration level was 74, the stimulation level was 2, with a 6-second interval; and when the concentration level was 83, the stimulation level was 1, with a 12-second interval. Clearly, the user's concentration improved after the short period of magnetic stimulation.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The figure shows the changes in relaxation level and stimulation voltage during relaxation adjustment mode. When the relaxation level was 33, the stimulation level was 3, and the stimulation interval was 6 seconds; when the relaxation level was 48, the stimulation level was 3, and the stimulation interval was 12 seconds; when the relaxation level was 66, 69, 72, and 73, the stimulation level was 2, and the stimulation interval was 12 seconds; when the relaxation level was 77, 81, and 82, the stimulation level was 1, and the stimulation interval was 6 seconds; and when the relaxation level was 86, the stimulation level was 1, and the stimulation interval was 12 seconds. Clearly, the user's relaxation level increased after the short period of magnetic stimulation adjustment.

[0072] Currently, there are no small transcranial magnetic devices on the market that can be used in conjunction with EEG devices. Therefore, users cannot quantify the effects of stimulation therapy when using them, and cannot intuitively feel the changes in EEG waveforms before and after using transcranial magnetic devices. In contrast, the present invention provides a method and system for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation. The combined use of a small transcranial magnetic device with an EEG device can more intuitively allow users to feel the efficacy of the device and improve the user's experience. Obviously, the combination of the transcranial magnetic device and the EEG device can observe the user's EEG waveform in real time, and then match the corresponding stimulation mode according to the obtained EEG waveform to maximize the user effect.

[0073] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concepts and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and implement them accordingly. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent variations or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and substance of the present invention are intended to be encompassed within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation, characterized in that: include: Collecting the EEG signal of the target subject, extracting the Alpha wave, Beta wave, and Theta wave in the EEG signal, and obtaining the concentration and relaxation level of the target subject; Among them, f Alpha is the frequency of the Alpha wave, f Beta is the frequency of the Beta wave, f Theta is the frequency of the Theta wave, The time interval and intensity of the magnetic stimulation performed on the target object are determined according to the concentration level or the relaxation level.

2. The method for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: f Alpha 8Hz-12Hz, f Beta 12Hz-27Hz, f Thera 3Hz-8Hz.

3. The method for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 1 has two modes: a concentration training mode and a relaxation regulation mode. The concentration training mode is characterized by: When the concentration level was 0-16, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 12 seconds; when the concentration level was 16-31, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 6 seconds; When the concentration level was 31-45, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 12 seconds; when the concentration level was 45-55, the time interval for magnetic stimulation was 6 seconds; When the concentration level is 5565, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 12s; when the concentration level is 6575, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 6s; When the concentration is 75-85, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 12s, and when the concentration is 85-100, the time interval for magnetic stimulation is 6s.

4. The method for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: When the concentration level is 0-30, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 148-151mT; When the concentration level is 30-55, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 120-122mT; When the concentration level is 55-75, the magnetic field intensity for magnetic stimulation is 95-97mT; When the concentration level is 75-100, the magnetic field strength for magnetic stimulation is 74-77mT.

5. The method for performing transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 4, characterized in that: Specifically include: The magnetic stimulation is applied by electrically connecting a magnetic stimulator and a pulse current generator, and the magnetic field intensity of the magnetic stimulation is changed by adjusting at least one of the intensity, time interval and waveform of the current provided by the pulse current generator.

6. A transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation for implementing the method for transcranial magnetic stimulation based on EEG signal feedback regulation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: a magnetic stimulation generating unit, at least for providing the magnetic stimulation; A brain wave acquisition unit, at least for acquiring brain wave signals of a target object; A data processing control unit is connected to the magnetic stimulation generating unit and the brain wave acquisition unit respectively, and is used at least to receive the brain wave signal, and obtain the concentration and relaxation of the target object based on the brain wave signal, and adjust the magnetic field strength of the magnetic stimulation output by the magnetic stimulation generating unit according to the concentration or relaxation.

7. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The magnetic stimulation generating unit includes a magnetic stimulator and a pulse current generator. The magnetic stimulator is electrically connected to the pulse current generator, and the pulse current generator is electrically connected to the data processing control unit.

8. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The magnetic stimulator includes a magnetic core and at least one metal coil, wherein the metal coil is wound on the magnetic core and is electrically connected to the pulse current generator; And / or, the pulse current generator includes a pulse power supply.

9. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The EEG acquisition unit includes a plurality of electrodes and an EEG processor, wherein the electrodes are connected to the EEG processor, and the EEG processor is used to collect and analyze EEG signals; And / or, the EEG acquisition unit further includes a signal transmitter, which is used to transmit the EEG signal obtained by the EEG processor to the data processing control unit; And / or, the signal transmitter includes a Bluetooth module.

10. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system with EEG signal feedback regulation according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A support cap is provided on which the magnetic stimulator and the electrodes are arranged. The support cap can be worn on the head of a target subject.

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