Dynamic Brain Signal Entrainment via Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices are inadequate in effectively modifying the oscillation frequency of bioelectrical brain signals associated with pathological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, which are linked to motor symptoms like rigidity and tremors, as they often fail to adjust frequencies to non-pathological ranges.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that delivers electrical stimulation therapy to the brain, initially entraining bioelectrical brain signals at a pathological frequency and then adjusting the stimulation frequency to a non-pathological range, thereby modifying the oscillation frequency to alleviate symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation is delivered at a fixed frequency, then the device operation is simple, but the ability to modify brain signal oscillation frequency from pathological to non-pathological ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical stimulation device dynamically adjusts the stimulation frequency based on detected brain signal characteristics. The system transitions from static fixed-frequency stimulation to dynamic frequency modulation, enabling the device to adapt to changing brain signal conditions and effectively shift oscillation from pathological to non-pathological ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of electrical stimulation in response to detected brain signal frequencies. By monitoring brain signals and adjusting the stimulation frequency parameter accordingly, the device can effectively modify brain signal oscillation characteristics without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation frequency is continuously adjusted to track brain signals, then the effectiveness in modifying pathological oscillations is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic detection and adjustment cycles rather than continuous operation. Brain signals are detected at intervals, and frequency adjustments are made periodically based on these detections. This approach maintains therapy effectiveness by tracking brain signal changes while reducing energy consumption by avoiding constant monitoring and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements feedback control where detected brain signal frequencies inform subsequent stimulation frequency selections. The system uses the detected pathological oscillation frequency as feedback to determine the appropriate stimulation frequency for shifting the brain signals to non-pathological ranges, optimizing energy use by only adjusting when and where needed.
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
The system effectively reduces or eliminates symptoms by changing the oscillation frequency from pathological to non-pathological ranges, improving patient outcomes for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical stimulation is selected to entrain the bioelectrical brain signals of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the brain of a patient, e.g., to treat or otherwise manage a patient disorder. In one example, the disclosure relates to a method comprising generating electrical stimulation via a medical device; delivering the electrical stimulation at a first frequency to a brain of a patient when the bioelectrical brain signals of the patient oscillate at a second frequency, where the second frequency corresponds to pathological brain signals of the patient, where the electrical stimulation is selected to entrain the bioeiectrical brain signals of the patient; and adjusting the delivered electrical stimulation from the first frequency to a third frequency, where adjusting the delivered electrical stimulation changes the bioelectrical brain signal oscillations to a fourth frequency different from the second frequency. The fourth frequency may correspond to an oscillation frequency of non-pathological brain signals of the patient.