Device for performing electroencephalograms with electrode selection

Abstract

The present invention describes a device for performing electroencephalograms, with a camera (18) for monitoring eye movement, wherein a button (11) is used to select the number of electrodes (14) that are required to make contact with the skull to obtain information regarding specific areas of the brain. The device also includes electrodes (22) for performing electromyograms to diagnose the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves in the limbs.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR PERFORMING SIMPLE OR ELECTROMYOGRAPHY ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAMS, WITH EYE MOVEMENT MONITORING BY CAMERAS AND ELECTRODES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronics, data analysis, biomedical engineering, neurophysiology and more specifically neurotechnology, since it provides a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An electroencephalogram, commonly abbreviated as EEG, is a non-invasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the brain. This procedure is performed by placing electrodes on the patient's scalp. These electrodes detect and record the electrical signals generated by the brain's nerve cells, known as neurons. The EEG is primarily used to diagnose brain disorders such as epilepsy, evaluate sleep problems, detect brain injuries, and in some cases, to determine coma.

[0006] EEG is an important tool in neurology because it provides valuable information about brain function in real time, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological conditions.

[0007] The electroencephalogram (EEG) dates back to the 20th century, marking significant advances in the understanding of the brain's electrical activity and its clinical application. In 1875, the British scientist Richard Caton was one of the first to observe electrical activity in the brains of animals, using surface electrodes.

[0008] In 1924, the German psychiatrist Hans Berger first recorded the human EEG using electrodes on the scalps of volunteers. This discovery was crucial, as Berger was the first to demonstrate that the human brain produces measurable electrical signals and that these signals vary with different mental states and physical conditions. During the 1930s and 1940s, significant advances were made in EEG technology and methodology. More sensitive electrodes and techniques for improving the quality of the recorded signals were developed.

[0009] From the 1940s onward, EEG began to be used clinically to diagnose neurological disorders, especially epilepsy. The ability of EEG to detect abnormal patterns of electrical activity in the brain was fundamental to the diagnosis and management of these disorders. From the second half of the 20th century to the present, EEG has been fundamental to neuroscience research. Advanced techniques such as high-density EEG and functional connectivity analysis have been developed, allowing for a more detailed study of how different brain regions communicate with each other.

[0010] An electromyograph is a medical device used to perform electromyography (EMG), a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and the motor nerves that control them; it records the intrinsic electrical potential of skeletal muscle. This test is useful for diagnosing neuromuscular diseases and disorders that affect communication between nerves and muscles.

[0011] Electromyography (EMG) is used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including peripheral neuropathies, neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis, motor unit diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy. It is a valuable tool that provides detailed information about the functioning of muscles and nerves, thus aiding in the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these neuromuscular conditions.

[0012] The history of electromyography (EMG) is closely linked to the development of electromyography as a diagnostic technique for studying the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several scientists began investigating the electrical activity of muscles using rudimentary devices. One of the first to experiment was Gabriel Lippmann in 1878, who observed small electrical currents generated by muscle contraction. As the 20th century progressed, more sophisticated techniques were developed for recording and analyzing muscle electrical activity. In the 1920s, the physiologist Willem Einthoven, known for his work in electrocardiography, contributed to the initial development of electromyography.

[0013] In the 1940s, electromyography (EMG) began to be used clinically to diagnose neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathies, and motor neuron diseases. EMG's ability to detect abnormal patterns of electrical activity in muscles and nerves was crucial for differential diagnosis and treatment planning.

[0014] Today, electromyography is widely used in neurology, physical medicine, and rehabilitation to assess neuromuscular function, guide treatments such as botulinum toxin therapy, and monitor the progression of neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

[0015] A prior art search was conducted for devices for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes. It was found that various devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in European patent application EP3758598 (1A1), published on January 6, 2021, entitled "DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING QUANTITATIVE DYNAMIC DATA OF BRAIN ACTIVITY." This application describes a device that is placed on the head and collects EEG data using a plurality of sensors located at multiple points along the subject's scalp. Each sensor can be constructed with a housing that has an absorbent portion that can be moistened with the conductive fluid.The sensors can be held in position on a subject's head by using a frame of flexible bands that are adjustable to fit different head sizes.

[0016] Also found was Chinese patent application document number CN116636851 (A), dated August 25, 2023, entitled "SPLIT-TYPE ELECTRODE BRAIN ELECTRICITY CAP", which describes a split-electrode electroencephalogram cap comprising a cap body support and an electrode unit, wherein the cap body support is provided with a plurality of penetrating mounting cavities, and the electrode unit is connected to the mounting cavities in a separable manner; the electrode unit comprises a telescopic sleeve, a telescopic driving source, an electrode assembly, and a pressure sensor.The application is detachably connected to the electrode unit via the cap body support. It is used for quick disassembly and quick assembly of the electrode unit, making it convenient for electrode unit maintenance. It allows the telescopic drive source to perform a telescopic movement according to the pressure state of the electrode assembly, driving the electrode assembly in the telescopic sleeve to perform a directional movement. This ensures the electrode head can be precisely pressed onto the scalp, preventing electrode head deviation and impedance mismatch between the electrode unit and the skin. It facilitates real-time pressure and impedance monitoring, improves the electrical quality of the brain, and offers the possibility of long-term home monitoring via electroencephalogram.

[0017] The documents cited above describe devices for performing electroencephalograms, but they do not show evidence of having ducts that allow the electrodes to be adjusted to different positions on the skull. Nor do they mention having a button installed on each electrode to select the number of electrodes required to make contact with the skull to obtain information from specific brain areas. The documents also fail to mention the presence of a solution within the ducts connecting the electrodes, which would allow for electrode adjustment and also conduct the electrical signals from the patient's brain for use in the polygraph study.

[0018] The aforementioned documents do not show evidence of having cameras installed at eye level, which allows monitoring of eye movement during the study, nor do they describe having extensions with electrodes installed for performing electromyography to diagnose the electrical activity of the muscles and the motor nerves that control them, at the same time as the electroencephalogram is performed.

[0019] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0021] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes having channels that allow the electrodes to be adjusted in different positions of the skull.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, which has a button on each of the electrodes to select the number of electrodes that are required to make contact with the skull to obtain information from specific brain areas.

[0023] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, having a solution within the conduits connecting the electrodes, allowing the adjustment of said electrodes.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, which by means of the solution found inside the ducts allows the electrical signals from the patient's brain to be conducted for the performance of the study.

[0025] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, which integrates cameras positioned at eye level, allowing monitoring of eye movement during the performance of the study.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, having wiring that has electrodes installed for performing electromyography for the diagnosis of the electrical activity of muscles and nerves in limbs.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] The characteristic details of this novel device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes, are clearly shown in the following description and accompanying figures, as well as an illustration thereof, using the same reference symbols to indicate the parts shown. However, these figures are shown as examples and should not be considered limiting to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes. Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes. Figure 3 shows a top view of the belt, channels, electrode holders, and supports of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the band, channels, electrode holders, supports and viewer of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by cameras and electrodes.

[0031] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the device's camera for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring via cameras and electrodes. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the device's connection box for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring via cameras and electrodes.

[0032] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the housing and electrode holder structure of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the electrode holder housing of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes.

[0033] Figure 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the device structure for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by cameras and electrodes.

[0034] Figure 10 shows a side perspective view of the ducts and wiring of the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by cameras and electrodes.

[0035] Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the device's electrodes for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring using cameras and electrodes.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, are listed below:

[0038] 1. Band

[0039] 2. Ducts

[0040] 3. Electrode holder

[0041] 4. Support

[0042] 5. Fixation method

[0043] 6. Housing

[0044] 7. Relief

[0045] 8. Springs

[0046] 9. Cavity

[0047] 10. Structure

[0048] 11. Pushbutton

[0049] 12. Cylinder

[0050] 13. Base

[0051] 14. Electrode

[0052] 15. Connector

[0053] 16. Insurance

[0054] 17. Viewfinder

[0055] 18. Chamber

[0056] 19. Junction box

[0057] 20. Duct

[0058] 21. Wiring

[0059] 22. Electrodes

[0060] 23. Contacts With reference to the figures, the device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes is made up of a band (1) that is circular in shape and preferably adjustable and hollow, which is configured to be placed around the head, at the level of the forehead of a user; a cable (not illustrated) is housed inside the band (1); a plurality of conduits (2) are installed at one end in the upper part of the periphery of the band (1), and the opposite end of said conduits (2) is connected to an electrode holder (3); a tube (not illustrated) is housed inside the conduits (2) which is configured to contain an electrolyte solution;A support (4) is connected at one end to each of the electrode holders (3), on the opposite side to where the conduits (2) are connected, and the opposite end of each of the supports (4) is connected to a fixation means (5); the conduits (2), the supports (4) and the fixation means (5) are configured to position and adjust the electrode holders (3) at different points on the user's skull, so that the fixation means (5) is arranged in the center of the top of the user's skull.

[0061] The conduits (2), tubes (not illustrated) and supports (4) are preferably flexible.

[0062] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the electrode holders (3) consist of a housing (6), which is preferably cylindrical and hollow, and has a relief (7) on its interior, both on the top and bottom. Two springs (8) are located inside the housing (6), preferably mounted on the relief (7) on the bottom, and are positioned opposite each other. A cavity (9) is located in the inner wall of the housing (6), preferably on top of each spring (8).

[0063] A structure (10), preferably sectioned into different diameters, is configured to fit inside each of the housings (6); a push button (11), preferably located on the top of each structure (10); the upper diameter of the push button (11) is equal to the internal diameter of the relief (7) on the top of the housing (6), this configuration allows the upper part of the push button (11) to be assembled on the inside of said relief (7); and the lower diameter of the push button (11) is equal to the internal diameter of the housing (6), which is configured to prevent lateral movement of said push button (11). A cylinder (12), preferably hollow, is installed centered on its upper face, on the bottom of each push button (11);A base (13) preferably having a perforation (not illustrated) in its center is installed on its upper face, on the lower part of the cylinder (12). This configuration allows a separation between the base (13) and the push button (11), leaving the cylinder (12) exposed. The upper diameter of the base (13) is equal to the internal diameter of the housing (6). This configuration prevents lateral movement. The diameter of the middle part of the base (13) is equal to the internal diameter of the relief (7) on the lower part of the housing (6), and the lower diameter of the base (13) is equal to the outer diameter of said housing (6). This configuration allows vertical movement of the structure (10) when the push button (11) is pressed. The perforation (not illustrated) in the base (13) passes through from side to side, where the upper diameter is larger than the diameter remaining at the bottom.

[0064] An electrode (14) which is preferably for electroencephalogram, is installed in the perforation (not illustrated) of the lower part of each of the bases (13); some locks (16) are preferably installed on the outer periphery of the upper part of the base (13), which are aligned to the cavities (9).

[0065] The springs (8) are configured to make contact with the upper diameter of the base (13) and thus exert a springing effect when the push button (11) is pressed, and by means of the locks (16) maintain the position below the structure (10) when the electrodes (14) are going to make contact with a person's skull, as well as release them with the push button (11) to deactivate said electrodes (14), this allows selecting which electrodes and in which positions will be used in carrying out the study.

[0066] A connector (15) is installed at one end, preferably perpendicularly, on one side of the exposed part of the cylinder (12), and the opposite end is connected to the tube (not illustrated) of the conduits (2). This configuration allows the electrolyte solution to pass through the cylinder (12) and make contact with the electrode (14), thereby transmitting the electrical energy from the brain, captured by these electrodes (14), to the cables (not illustrated) located inside the band (1). The electrolyte solution also contributes to the flexibility of the conduits (2), the tubes (not illustrated), and the supports (4).A viewer (17) that preferably has two curves on its lower part, is installed on the front of the band (1), so that it is positioned at the user's eye level; at least one camera (18) is installed on the back of each curve of the viewer (17); each camera (18) is aligned to each of the user's eyes, this configuration allows monitoring of eye movement when performing the electroencephalogram study.

[0067] A prismatic, preferably rectangular, junction box (19) is installed on the back of the band (1); a duct (20) is installed on each side of the junction box (19) at one end, so that there is a duct (20) on each side of the junction box (19); at the opposite end of each duct (20) a cable (21) protrudes, on which a plurality of electrodes (22), preferably electromyography electrodes, are installed; these electrodes (22) are configured to be placed on the user's limbs and to perform a study of the muscles and motor nerves, at the same time as the electroencephalogram is performed.

[0068] A plurality of contacts (23) are located on the back face of the connection box (19), which are configured to connect the camera and electrodes (14) and (22), to transmit the electrical signals obtained, as well as the video capture and send them to an external polygraph (not illustrated) for interpretation of the information.

[0069] The contacts (23) are preferably separated by blocks to connect the camera and the electrodes (14) and (22). A wireless communication unit (not illustrated) may be located inside the connection box (19). This configuration allows the information obtained by the camera (18) and the electrodes (22) to be sent remotely and in real time to a smart device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The wireless communication unit (not illustrated) may be via Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), or UWB (Ultra-Wideband).

[0070] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Examples

[0072] The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, and should therefore not be considered as limiting it.

[0073] Example 1. Operation and functioning of the device to perform simple electroencephalograms or with electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes.

[0074] With reference to the figures mentioned above, the headband (1) is placed on the patient's head and adjusted to the circumference of their head, ensuring that the viewer (17) is positioned at the front, directly in front of the eyes. The height of the electrode holders (3) is then adjusted over the specific areas where the electroencephalographic study will be performed, and the button (11) is pressed so that the electrode (14) makes contact with the patient's skull. If the study requires information from the nerves and muscles of the patient's limbs, the electrodes (22) are placed in the appropriate position.

[0075] Having done the above, the camera (18) and the electrodes (14) and (22) are connected to the contacts (23) of the connection box (19), in order to extract the collected information to the polygraph (not illustrated) and be able to interpret the information.

[0076] In view of the foregoing, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention shall not be limited by the specific embodiments described, and it shall be understood that variations may be made in several respects. Such variations shall not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to a person skilled in the art and shall be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

RECLAIMS 1. A device for performing simple electroencephalograms or electromyography, with eye movement monitoring by means of cameras and electrodes, characterized in that it comprises: a band (1) configured to be placed around the head at the level of the forehead, said band (1) having a cable housed inside it; a plurality of conduits (2) are installed at one end in the upper part of the periphery of the band (1), and the opposite end is connected to an electrode holder (3); a support (4) is connected at one end to each of the electrode holders (3), and the opposite end is connected to a fixing means (5) disposed in the center of the upper part of the user's skull, this configuration allows positioning and adjusting the electrode holders (3) at different points on said skull;The electrode holders (3) consist of a housing (6) that has a relief (7) on the inside, both on the top and bottom; two springs (8) are located inside the housing (6), installed on the relief (7) on the bottom, and are positioned opposite each other; a cavity (9) is located on the inner wall of the housing (6), on top of each of the springs (8); a structure (10) is housed inside each of the housings (6); a push button (11) is located on top of each structure (10); a cylinder (12) is installed centered on its top face, on the bottom of each push button (11); a base (13) having a hole in its center, is installed from its upper face, on the lower part of the cylinder (12); an electrode (14) is installed in the hole on the lower part of each of the bases (13);some insurance policies (16) are found; installed on the outer periphery of the top of the base (13) aligned with the cavities (9); a connector (15) is installed at one end and perpendicularly on one side of the exposed part of the cylinder (12), and the opposite end is connected to the duct tube (2); a viewfinder (17) is installed on the front of the band (1) positioned at the user's eye level; at least two cameras (18) are installed on the back of the viewfinder (17), each aligned with each of the user's eyes to monitor eye movement; a junction box (19) is installed on the back of the band (1); A duct (20) is installed on each side of the junction box (19) at one end, so that there is a duct (20) on each side of the junction box (19);At the opposite end of each duct (20) protrudes a cable (21) on which a plurality of electrodes (22) are installed; and, a plurality of contacts (23) are located on the back face of the connection box (19), to connect the camera and the electrodes (14) and (22), to transmit the electrical signals obtained, as well as the video capture and send them to an external polygraph for the interpretation of the information.; 2. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the band (1) is circular, adjustable and hollow.

3. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that a tube is housed inside the conduits ( 2 ).

4. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tube contains an electrolyte solution.

5. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the support (4) is connected on the opposite side where the conduits (2) are located.

6. The device according to claim 1 and 3 characterized in that the conduits (2), the tubes and the supports (4) are flexible.

7. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the housing (6) is cylindrical and hollow.

8. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the structure (10) is sectioned into different diameters.

9. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that, the upper diameter of the push button (11) is equal to the internal diameter of the relief (7) of the upper part of the housing (6), allowing the upper part of the push button (11) to be assembled into the internal part of said relief (7); and, the lower diameter of the push button (11) is equal to the internal diameter of the housing (6) to prevent lateral movement in said push button (11).

10. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the cylinder (12) is hollow.

11. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (13) is separated from the push button (11), leaving the cylinder (12) exposed.

12. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that, the upper diameter of the base (13) is equal to the internal diameter of the housing (6), to prevent lateral movements; the diameter of the middle part of the base (13) is equal to the internal diameter of the relief (7) of the lower part of the housing (6); and, the lower diameter of the base (13) is equal to the outer diameter of said housing (6), allowing vertical movement of the structure (10) when the push button (11) is pressed.

13. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the perforation of the base (13) passes from side to side, and the upper diameter is larger than the diameter remaining at the bottom.

14. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrode (14) is for electroencephalogram.

15. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the springs (8) make contact with the upper diameter of the base (13) and thus exert a springing effect when the push button (11) is pressed, and by means of the locks (16) the downward position of the structure (10) is maintained when the electrodes (14) are going to make contact with the skull of a person, as well as releasing them with the push button (11) to deactivate said electrodes (14), this allows selection of which electrodes and in which positions will be used in carrying out the study.

16. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrolyte solution passes through the cylinder (12) and makes contact with the electrode (14), and in this way transmits the electrical energy from the brain that is captured by said electrodes (14) to the cables located inside the band (1).

17. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the viewfinder (17) has two curves on its lower part.

18. The device according to claim 17 characterized in that each camera (18) is located at the rear of each curve.

19. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the connection box (19) is rectangular prismatic in shape.

20. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrodes (22) are electromyography electrodes and are configured to be placed on the user's limbs and to perform a study of the motor muscles and nerves.

21. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the contacts (23) are separated by blocks to connect the chamber and the electrodes (14) and (22).

22. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that a wireless communication card is installed inside the connection box (19) to remotely and in real time send the information obtained by the camera (18) and the electrodes (22) to a smart device.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the smart device is a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

24. The device according to claim 22 characterized in that the wireless communication unit is by means of Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.

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