Desynchronizing Neural Oscillations via Angular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for desynchronizing pathological neural oscillations in the brain, such as those occurring in Parkinson's disease, are either invasive or lack precision in targeting specific brain locations due to the non-conductive nature of bone and the complexity of the brain's structure.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) that identifies and differentially stimulates specific subsets of neurons in the cortex based on their angular alignment, applying electrical stimuli through scalp electrodes to desynchronize pathological neural oscillations, with optional use of electroencephalographic signatures and head models for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current-injecting electrodes are implanted in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) to disrupt pathological oscillations, then the effectiveness of desynchronization is improved, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the skull and scalp as an intermediary medium to transmit electrical stimulation from external electrodes to the STN. By optimizing the electrical parameters and electrode placement, the stimulation can penetrate the non-conductive bone and reach the target nucleus without requiring surgical implantation of electrodes into the brain tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation of electrodes with a non-invasive electrical stimulation approach. Instead of physically inserting electrodes through the skull, the method uses transcranial electrical stimulation to achieve the same therapeutic effect, substituting a less invasive physical approach for the invasive surgical procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transcranial electrical stimulation is applied to disrupt pathological oscillations, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the precision in targeting specific brain locations deteriorates due to the non-conductive nature of bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering electrical stimulation to specific local regions of the scalp that correspond to the projection zones of the STN. By identifying and targeting these specific cortical areas, the stimulation can be focused on the desired brain nucleus despite the diffusing effect of the skull, achieving localized therapeutic effect without invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cortical surface into distinct regions based on their projection relationships with the STN. By dividing the target area into specific controllable zones and applying stimulation selectively to these segments, the method achieves precise targeting of the subthalamic nucleus while maintaining non-invasive characteristics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical stimulation is applied to the cortex to desynchronize neural oscillations, then the non-invasive benefit is achieved, but the complexity of determining precise stimulation parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and mapping of cortical regions that project to the STN before applying stimulation. By pre-determining the optimal stimulation targets and parameters based on anatomical and functional mapping, the complex task of parameter determination is simplified and standardized, making the non-invasive procedure more systematic and easier to implement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively desynchronizes pathological neural oscillations by targeting specific orientations of the cortical surface, improving upon the limitations of existing methods by providing a less invasive and more precise technique for disrupting synchronized neural activity.
Implementation Method 1
applying, through a first set of scalp electrodes, a first electrical stimulus to the first subset of the cortex
Implementation Method 2
each of at least two subpopulations is stimulated to oscillate in synchrony with an applied stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for desynchronizing a pathological neural oscillations, includes identifying a first subpopulation of the neurons involved in the pathological neural oscillation that are in alignment with each other within a predetermined angular stimulation range, and a second subpopulation that are both (A) in alignment with each other within the predetermined angular stimulation range, and (B) out of alignment with the first neurons by at least the predetermined angular stimulation range, and applying electrical stimuli to the first and second subpopulations through scalp electrodes, the electrical stimuli being out of phase with the pathological neural oscillations for desynchronizing the pathological neural oscillations.