Brain stimulation device simultaneously using electric field and magnetic field

Abstract

Disclosed is a brain stimulation device simultaneously using an electric field and a magnetic field. The brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses an electric field and a magnetic field according to the present invention comprises: an electric field applying unit which is detachably attached to a scalp and includes a combination of electrical stimulation electrodes divided into a plurality of parts, each having one of a positive, negative, and neutral polarity; at least one magnetic field applying unit which is detachably mounted on a user's scalp while allowing adjustment of an attachment position thereof, and which is disposed at an appropriate position so that Lorentz's force is applied to electric charges that move by electrical stimulation of the electric field applying unit; and a control unit for controlling a voltage of the electric field applying unit.

Description

A brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously

[0001] The present invention relates to a brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses electric and magnetic fields, which can not only enable more active brain stimulation by linearly superimposing electric fields according to the Lorenz force, but can also selectively control a specific area so that the stimulation signal at a specific location or area can be maximized.

[0002] Over the past 20 years, methods of stimulating the brain using magnetic fields that change over time or direct current or alternating current electrical signals have been studied and developed as treatment methods for neuropsychiatric disorders.

[0003] Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an invasive electrical stimulation technique that involves inserting electrodes into specific areas of the brain through the skull. Its therapeutic effects have been proven for intractable brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, a motor neuron disorder, and it is currently being used as a medical device. Furthermore, research on its effectiveness in treating various other brain disorders is ongoing (Non-patent literature 1, Line 4-30 at Page 3 of "Deep brain stimulation: current challenges and future directions" by Andres M Lozano et al, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto Nature Review Neurology 2019 March; 15(3): 148-160. doi:101038 / s41582-018-0128-2).

[0004] In addition, non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation methods such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and direct transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) are being studied as treatment methods for a wider range of neuropsychiatric disorders due to their relative safety.

[0005] In the repetitive magnetic brain stimulation method, an electric field can be induced by a magnetic field that changes over time according to Michael Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction described by [Mathematical Equation 1] below.

[0006]

[0007]

[0008]

[0009] The above [Mathematical Equation 1] implies that an electric field can be formed by a time-varying magnetic field. According to this law, if a time-varying magnetic field is formed outside the brain, an induced current can be formed inside the brain by the electric field.

[0010] Meanwhile, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a representative electrical brain stimulation method that directly applies an electric field. The following [Mathematical Equation 2] shows the relationship between potential difference and electric field.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014] The above [Mathematical Equation 2] implies that when a potential difference is created at points on the scalp, an electric field is formed between the points, allowing current to flow. According to this law, connecting an electrode to the scalp generates an electric field between the two points, potentially generating current on the brain surface or in internal pathways.

[0015] The non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation and electrical brain stimulation methods described above are convenient to use and are safe, and are being researched and developed as treatment methods for various neuropsychiatric disorders such as cognitive decline, learning decline, lack of concentration, depression, insomnia, and pain.

[0016] In particular, since the safety of the electrical brain stimulation method using microcurrent has been confirmed, active research is being conducted on its use to improve brain function in normal people or to enhance special mission performance (Non-patent literature 2, Line 10-21 at Page 1 of “Beyond the target area: an integrative view of tDCS-induced motor cortex modulation in patients and athletes”, by Edgard Morya et Al, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Brazil Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (2019) 16:141)

[0017] The brain's information transmission and processing functions fundamentally operate through electrical and chemical ionic signals. Therefore, if electrical stimulation is applied to the brain invasively or noninvasively and the applied signal exceeds a certain threshold, it is possible to predict how the brain will react. Furthermore, the purpose of these electrical stimulation signals is to activate or inhibit specific functions presumed to be performed in specific brain regions.

[0018] Meanwhile, if we look at the stimulation signals and their functions of the invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods described above, first of all, in the case of the method of directly stimulating a specific area of ​​the brain, mainly the thalamus or basal ganglia, with an electrical stimulation signal (Deep Brain Stimulation, DBS), if the frequency of the stimulation signal is high, such as 100 Hz or higher, it suppresses the overactive motor nervous system, but does not respond to signals with low frequencies (Non-patent Document 3, Line 4-7 (Abstract) at Page 40, Line 34-39 at Page 40 of “How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Work? Present Understanding and Future Questions” by Cameron C McIntyre et al, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA, Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 21, Number 1, February 2004).

[0019] Among non-invasive electrical stimulation methods, the stimulation signal of the method using a magnetic field (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, rTMS) is stimulated by an electric field generated in the cortex of the brain in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic field when an externally generated magnetic field passes through the skull. It is known that when the stimulation signal is 5 Hz or higher, the stimulation area is activated, and when the signal is 0.2 Hz to 1 Hz, the area is suppressed. It was revealed that the representative method of direct electrical stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) activates the area where the positive electrode (Anode) is applied between the two ends of the power source, and suppresses the area where the negative electrode (Cathode) is applied (Non-patent literature 4, Table 1 at Page 192 of “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Primer”, by Mark Hallett, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, USA, Cell PRESS, Neuron 55, July 19, 2007 ª2007 Elsevier Inc.).

[0020] In this way, stimulation methods using magnetic or electric fields create activation and inhibition effects on brain signals depending on the purpose of stimulation, stimulation location, and signal transmission method. In the case of tDCS, a non-invasive method, the effect is estimated with a relatively simple hypothetical model in which the two positive and negative terminals of the power source are applied to the conductive skin, and a specific area is stimulated by the current that passes through a closed loop formed in the brain area along an inhomogeneous but continuous conductive medium. However, in the case of stimulation using magnets, the strength and direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic generating device can be known, but the electric field induced in the brain area assumed to be a conductive material by the magnetic field changes the induced current depending on the characteristics of the medium, its shape, and its relative direction to the magnetic field, making it more difficult to estimate the effect on the stimulation signal.

[0021] Although many positive effects have been revealed, many unknown questions still remain because it is difficult to assume the brain, which has a complex medium and shape, as an equivalent model of simple electrical characteristics, and it is difficult to estimate the biochemical reactions of the brain, in which chemical neurotransmitters and neuromodulators interact with cells, as well as the responses of cells or groups of connected cells to stimulation (Non-patent Document 5, Line 10-16 at Page 1, Line 1-34 at Page 2 of “Neurobiological Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders; Neurophysiological, Chemical, and Anatomical Considerations”, by Yuji Yamada et al, Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience February 2021 | Volume 15 | Article 631838).

[0022] As a solution to the problems related to the mechanism of action of such non-invasive electrical brain stimulation techniques, Soterix Medical, Inc. (US) has registered a patent for an electrical stimulation method in the US that uses multiple electrical stimulation electrodes and applies independent electrical stimulation signals to each electrode, thereby limiting the electrical stimulation signal to as much as possible around a selected stimulation area (Prior patent document 1, Patent No: US 9,339,642 B1, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING MULT-ELECTROD ELECTRICAL STIMULATION”, Applicant: Soterix Medical, Inc, New York, NY (US)). The above invention implements a method of stimulating only the selected area by determining the electrode value so that a closed loop is formed that passes through the selected area using multiple electrodes to stimulate the determined specific area.

[0023] In Korea, Wibrain Co., Ltd. has an invention regarding an electric brain stimulator with comprehensive contents of a stimulation device connected to multiple pads that apply current to the head (Prior Patent Document 2, Registered Patent No. 10-1542780, “Electrical Stimulation Device”, Patent Holder: Wibrain Co., Ltd.), an invention of an electric brain stimulator that controls the maximum applied power by measuring the impedance between stimulation electrodes (Prior Patent Document 3, Registered Patent No. 10-1473443, “Electrical Stimulation System”, Patent Holder: Wibrain Co., Ltd.), an invention of measuring brain waves simultaneously with transmitting a stimulation signal using a DC blocking filter (i.e., a frequency high-pass filter) when the stimulation signal is a DC signal and the measured brain waves are AC signals (Prior Patent Document 4, Registered Patent No. 10-1569362, “Brain Wave Measurement and Brain Stimulation System”, Patent Holder: Wibrain Co., Ltd.), and a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode is implemented as a fine array connection electrode. Various inventions have been patented, including an invention in which each electrode can measure brain waves or provide stimulation signals at different locations (Prior patent document 5, registered patent 10-1539654, “Electrical device for measuring EEG signals or providing electrical stimulation”, patent holder: Ybrain Co., Ltd.).

[0024] In conclusion, brain stimulation using electricity or magnetic fields shows positive therapeutic effects on brain activity using electrical signals, but detailed information on the exact mechanism of action, stimulation of specific locations, its effects and side effects, or the sensitivity of the stimulation effect is lacking.

[0025] Therefore, rather than identifying the exact mechanism, diversification of stimulation in various directions is the main topic of research.

[0026] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses electric and magnetic fields, which can not only enable brain stimulation to be performed more actively by linearly superimposing electric fields according to the Lorentz force, but can also selectively control a specific area so that the stimulation signal at a specific location or specific area can be maximized.

[0027] In addition, by using multiple time-varying magnetic fields together, it is possible to create a new direction of current flow by superimposing the electric field by the electric field applied by the electric field and the Coulomb force and the Lorentz force by the magnetic field by the time-varying magnetic field, and the task is to create a current flow that is formed in various directions in three dimensions inside the brain.

[0028] In order to achieve the above-described task, the brain stimulation device of the present invention simultaneously using an electric field and a magnetic field is characterized by including a combination of electric stimulation electrodes that are divided into a plurality of pieces and each piece has one of positive, negative, or neutral polarities, and includes: an electric field applying unit that is detachably attached to the scalp; and one or more magnetic field applying units that are detachably placed while adjusting the attachment position on the user's scalp and are positioned at an appropriate position so that a Lorentz force is applied to an electric charge moved by the electric stimulation of the electric field applying unit; and a control unit that controls the voltage of the electric field applying unit.

[0029] In addition, the magnetic field applying unit is characterized in that its relative position is arranged so that maximum magnetic stimulation is generated in a predetermined deep region of the brain according to linear superposition of magnetic fields generated from each of the magnetic field applying units.

[0030] In addition, the magnetic field applying unit includes an electromagnet, and the control unit is characterized in that it controls the current applied to the electromagnet so that the electromagnet forms a magnetic field.

[0031] In addition, the magnetic field applying unit is characterized in that it is configured to be able to apply a time varying magnetic field, and the control unit is characterized in that it controls the time varying magnetic field applied to the magnetic field applying unit.

[0032] In addition, a time-varying electric field is applied to the electric field applying unit, and the time-varying electric field of the electric field applying unit and the time-varying magnetic field of the magnetic field applying unit are characterized in that they have a frequency range of 30 to 140 Hz.

[0033] The present invention significantly improves the degree of freedom in controlling the direction and magnitude of brain stimulation by simultaneously utilizing electric and magnetic fields. Specifically, by linearly superimposing electric fields according to the Lorentz force, brain stimulation can be more actively achieved. Furthermore, specific areas can be selectively controlled to maximize the stimulation signal at specific locations or regions.

[0034] In addition, when a magnetic field that varies over time is applied, the electric field by the electric field applying unit and the Coulomb force by the electric field by the time-varying magnetic field and the Lorentz force by the magnetic field can be superimposed to create a new direction of current flow, which has the effect of creating a current flow that is formed in various directions in three dimensions inside the brain.

[0035] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses an electric field and a magnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the state of use of a brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses an electric field and a magnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates some components and functions of a brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates some components and functions of a brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously.

[0039] Figure 5 shows some components of a brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously and the propagation direction diffusion function of the magnetic field intensity in the direction of a linear vector using a single time-varying magnetic field.

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates some components of a brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, and a stimulation area selective stimulation function that uses a linear superposition effect with multiple time varying magnetic fields.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a brain stimulation device utilizing both electric and magnetic fields according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. First, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components or parts are indicated by identical reference numerals throughout the drawings. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related, well-known functions or configurations are omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a brain stimulation device (100) that uses an electric field and a magnetic field simultaneously according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a brain stimulation device (100) that uses an electric field and a magnetic field simultaneously according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (110), a storage unit (120), a sensor unit (130), a measurement unit (140), an electric field applying unit (150), a first magnetic field applying unit (160), a second magnetic field applying unit (170), and a support unit (180).

[0044] The control unit (110) can be built into the support unit (180) and is connected to the storage unit (120), the sensor unit (130), the measurement unit (140), the electric field applying unit (150), the first magnetic field applying unit (160), and the second magnetic field applying unit (170), and can receive information from them and control them. Although not shown in the drawing, the control unit (110) can be connected to a separate power source to supply and control the power to be used.

[0045] The control unit (110) can control at least one of the electric field application unit (150) and the magnetic field application unit in response to detection information provided from the sensor unit (130). When abnormal detection information is received from the sensor unit (130), the control unit (110) can release the applied voltage and current to stop electromagnetic stimulation by the electric and magnetic fields.

[0046] The control unit (110) can receive brain wave measurement information from the measurement unit (140).

[0047] The control unit (110) can link brain wave measurement information and a combination of applied voltage and current and store them in the storage unit (120). Here, the combination of voltage and current may refer to a combination of information regarding the intensity and time of the voltage applied to the electric field applying unit (150), the intensity of the current applied to the electromagnet over time when the magnetic field applying unit includes an electromagnet, etc.

[0048] The control unit (110) can determine the above voltage and current combinations as preferred combinations based on predetermined criteria. The preferred combinations may also be selected by the user. In this case, the device may be equipped with an input button. The present invention may further include a display unit that displays electrode control combinations and brain wave measurement information to assist the user in making a selection.

[0049] When viewing EEG data, the preferred combination can be set to select either the most activated or most inactive brain region. Alternatively, the preferred combination can be set to select both. In this case, the user can determine whether to provide the desired form of stimulation by selecting an activation or deactivation option among the preferred combinations. In this case, the present invention may further include a selection button.

[0050] Preferred combinations do not always have to be at opposite ends. If the user or the controller (110) determines that an appropriately sized active stimulus is present, it can be selected and stored as a preferred combination. The preferred combination can be selected as the one closest to one of the well-known waveforms defined as alpha, beta, or gamma waves. In this case, the preferred combination preferably has a frequency range of approximately 30 to 140 Hz, corresponding to the frequency of gamma waves.

[0051] The preferred combination is determined by the combination of electrodes that will mainly provide stimulation after applying various combinations of stimulation, and the control unit (110) can control the electric field application unit (150) and the magnetic field application unit so that electric stimulation according to the preferred combination is provided, or control so that various stimulations are provided but the preferred combination is provided as the most frequent stimulation.

[0052] The control unit (110) is connected to the electric field application unit (150) and can determine the type of voltage to be applied to the electric field application unit (150). The type of voltage applied to the electric field application unit (150) may refer to the magnitude of the voltage over time. For example, the control unit (110) can control a voltage whose magnitude periodically changes to be applied to the electric field application unit (150).

[0053] The control unit (110) is connected to the magnetic field application unit and can determine the form of the current to be provided to the magnetic field application unit. In this case, the magnetic field application unit may be an electromagnet rather than a permanent magnet. The form of the current applied to the magnetic field application unit may refer to the magnitude of the current over time. For example, the control unit (110) can control the application of a current whose magnitude periodically changes to the magnetic field application unit.

[0054] The storage unit (120) is connected to the control unit (110) and can store information related to control.

[0055] The storage unit (120) can store information including brain wave signals and voltage and current combinations and preferred combinations associated therewith.

[0056] The storage unit (120) can provide at least one of the above information to the control unit (110) in response to a request from the control unit (110).

[0057] The sensor unit (130) generates detection information and provides it to the control unit (110).

[0058] The sensor unit (130) may include at least one of an acceleration sensor and a light sensor.

[0059] The acceleration sensor measures acceleration occurring at a specific point in time in a certain direction and provides the measurement to the control unit (110).

[0060] The control unit (110) determines whether the detected acceleration exceeds a set value, regardless of direction. If the acceleration exceeds the set value, this can be determined as abnormality detection information. For example, if a user moves violently due to discomfort while receiving electromagnetic stimulation, this may be considered to be an acceleration exceeding the set value.

[0061] The light sensor can be installed to be positioned at any point on the scalp. The light sensor can generate light detection information and provide it to the control unit (110).

[0062] The control unit (110) may determine that if no light detection information is provided, this is abnormal detection information. For example, if a user experiences discomfort due to excessive impedance caused by electromagnetic stimulation, and covers the area where the light sensor is installed with their hand, this may correspond to a case where no light detection information is provided.

[0063] The measuring unit (140) can be installed as a component of the electric field applying unit (150).

[0064] For example, when the electric field applying unit (150) is composed of six electrodes as shown in FIG. 2, electrode number 6 can be set as the measuring unit (140).

[0065] The measuring unit (140) receives brain wave signals and can transmit the received brain wave signals to the control unit (110).

[0066] The electric field application unit (150) may include at least one stimulation electrode. For example, in FIG. 2, the stimulation electrodes are indicated as numbers 1 to 5, and the measurement unit (140), which is a measurement electrode, is indicated as number 6.

[0067] Each electrode placed in the electric field application unit (150) is designed to be detachably attached to the scalp so as to directly apply an electric field to the scalp.

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of the electric field formed by the electric field application unit (150). In the coordinates, the xy plane is the attachment surface of the scalp. Of course, since electricity also flows inward from the scalp surface, the actual electric field can be formed three-dimensionally. What is to be emphasized here is that the electric field applied to the surface is formed two-dimensionally and is difficult to penetrate deep into the brain.

[0069] The magnetic field applying unit may include a first magnetic field applying unit (160) and a second magnetic field applying unit (170). The magnetic field applying unit may also be configured as a single first magnetic field applying unit (160).

[0070] The first magnetic field applying unit (160) and the second magnetic field applying unit (170) can each be configured to selectively include either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. For example, the first magnetic field applying unit (160) and the second magnetic field applying unit (170) can be permanent magnets.

[0071] For example, the first magnetic field applying unit (160) may include a permanent magnet, and the second magnetic field applying unit (170) may include an electromagnet. For example, the first magnetic field applying unit (160) and the second magnetic field applying unit (170) may include electromagnets.

[0072] The magnetic field application unit can be positioned at an appropriate location so that a Lorentz force is applied to the charge moving by the electric stimulation of the electric field application unit. Here, the appropriate location means a location where the Lorentz force is formed in a direction desired by the user or the therapist. It does not necessarily have to be an exact location and may be a location found through trial and error. The appropriate location may be determined by the user, and the device may be designed so that the location of the magnetic field application unit can be easily adjusted.

[0073] That is, it is preferable that the magnetic field applying units be arranged so that their relative positions can be adjusted so that maximum magnetic stimulation is generated in a predetermined deep region of the deep brain according to the linear superposition of the magnetic fields generated from each magnetic field applying unit. To this end, it is preferable that one or more magnetic field applying units be arranged so that their attachment positions can be adjusted on the user's scalp while being supported by the support unit (180) as shown in Fig. 4. To this end, it is preferable that the support unit (180) be configured to include a structure that can adjust the attachment position of the magnetic field applying unit.

[0074] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state of use in which a user wears a brain stimulation device (100) that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, which is equipped with an electric field applying unit (150), a first magnetic field applying unit (160) including a permanent magnet, and a second magnetic field applying unit (170) including a permanent magnet.

[0075] The magnetic field application unit can induce the Lorentz force by applying a magnetic field from the outside to the inside of the brain.

[0076] In Fig. 4, the direction of the flow of electric charges (i) in the brain, the direction of the magnetic field (B), and the direction of the Lorentz force (F) that can be formed by the electric field applied by the electric field applying unit (150) as in Fig. 3 are respectively indicated. That is, unlike when only an electric field is applied, when a magnetic field is applied in a state where a flow of charges is formed in an environment where an electric field is applied, a current flow that can penetrate deep into the brain can be formed. This is the first effect of the present invention.

[0077] When the magnetic field applying unit is composed of a first magnetic field applying unit (160) and a second magnetic field applying unit (170), a stronger current flow in various directions can be induced by magnetic field superposition.

[0078] Figures 5 and 6 respectively show the distribution of the magnetic field when the magnetic field applying unit is composed of one and when the magnetic field applying unit is composed of a first magnetic field applying unit (160) and a second magnetic field applying unit (170). As shown in Figure 5, when the magnetic field applying unit is composed of one, the magnetic field with the maximum intensity is created at the point of magnetic field generation and the magnetic field progresses in a form of diffusing along the direction of propagation, so there may be a disadvantage of stimulating in the direction of diffusion of a line rather than stimulating a deep brain region in the form of an exact point.

[0079] In contrast, in the case of magnetic field stimulation using linear superposition of magnetic fields using multiple magnetic fields when composed of a first magnetic field applying unit (160) and a second magnetic field applying unit (170) as shown in Fig. 6, selective stimulation control of a fine area in the form of a precise dot is possible by controlling the stimulation area so that maximum magnetic stimulation can occur in a detailed area of ​​the deep brain by controlling the relative positions of the multiple magnetic fields and the intensity of each magnetic field.

[0080] The magnetic field applying unit may include an electromagnet. When the magnetic field applying unit including the electromagnet is placed near the brain, a time-varying magnetic field can be formed. The time-varying magnetic field generates an electric field according to Faraday's law, and thus overlaps with the electric field applied to the scalp by the electric field applying unit (150). In addition, since the influence of the magnetic field itself remains, the influence of the Lorentz force also remains.

[0081] That is, when a magnetic field that varies over time is applied, the electric field by the electric field applying unit (150) and the Coulomb force by the electric field by the time-varying magnetic field and the Lorentz force by the magnetic field overlap to create a new direction of current flow. In addition, the direction of current movement can be varied by controlling the voltage applied to the electric field applying unit (150) and the current applied to the magnetic field applying unit. That is, there is an effect of being able to create a current flow that is formed in various directions in three dimensions inside the brain. This is the second effect of the present invention.

[0082] Below, the theory and significance of the present invention will be explained.

[0083] The present invention aims to stimulate a local area or a wide area during non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, and to diversify the direction of stimulation so as to more accurately determine the correlation between the selected stimulation area and the stimulation effect.

[0084] When a static magnetic field is applied to the electric current flowing along the electric field by the electric field applying unit (150), i.e., the moving charge, a flow in a new direction can be formed by the Lorentz force (Mathematical Formula 3).

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] The present invention has the effect of enabling stimulation in directions and locations that cannot be stimulated using conventional electrical stimulation methods by utilizing the Lorentz force.

[0089] In addition, when the present invention utilizes two or more time-varying magnetic fields, the voltage, current, etc. can be controlled by the control unit (110) so that the maximum stimulation signal can be generated in a specific area according to the multiple linear superposition effects. The specific area can be determined by the user's response according to the use of the device. It is possible to selectively stimulate a specific area within the space inside the brain by implementing the maximum magnetic field change, i.e., the generation of a potential difference due to the induced current, in a specific area of ​​the brain.

[0090] In summary, the present invention relates to a brain stimulation method using electric and magnetic fields, which can control the direction of charges involved in the flow of stimulation current by using multiple time-invariant magnetic fields from outside together with electric stimulation that can stimulate by dividing the stimulation area into small, subdivided areas, and an electric-magnetic field brain stimulation method that can select a point-shaped area so that a stimulation signal at a specific location is maximized by using a linear superposition effect by combining multiple time-invariant / time-varying magnetic fields simultaneously with electric stimulation.

Claims

1. An electric field applying unit that is detachably attached to the scalp and comprises a combination of electrical stimulation electrodes that are divided into a plurality of pieces and each piece has one of positive, negative or neutral polarities; A magnetic field applying unit that is detachably placed at least once while adjusting the attachment location on the user's scalp, and is placed at an appropriate location so that Lorentz's force is applied to the electric charge moving by the electric stimulation of the electric field applying unit; A brain stimulation device that uses an electric field and a magnetic field simultaneously, characterized by including a control unit that controls the voltage of the electric field applying unit.

2. In paragraph 1, A brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, characterized in that the magnetic field applying unit is arranged so that its relative position can be adjusted so that maximum magnetic stimulation is generated in a predetermined deep region of the brain according to the linear superposition of the magnetic fields generated from each of the magnetic field applying units.

3. In paragraph 1, The above magnetic field applying unit includes an electromagnet, A brain stimulation device that uses an electric field and a magnetic field simultaneously, characterized in that the control unit controls the current applied to the electromagnet so that the electromagnet forms a magnetic field.

4. In paragraph 3, The above magnetic field applying unit is characterized in that it is configured to be able to apply a time varying magnetic field, A brain stimulation device that uses electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, characterized in that the control unit controls a time-varying magnetic field applied to the magnetic field applying unit.

5. In claim 4, A time varying electric field is applied to the above electric field applying section, A brain stimulation device that simultaneously uses electric and magnetic fields, characterized in that the time varying electric field of the electric field applying unit and the time varying magnetic field of the magnetic field applying unit have a frequency range of 30 to 140 Hz.

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