High-Frequency Brain Stimulation to Reduce DBS Side Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain stimulation (DBS) and cortical stimulation techniques for treating motor dysfunctions and other neurological conditions often cause undesired side effects such as sensory, motor, and cognitive interference due to low-frequency neural synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Applying electrical signals with higher fundamental frequencies (1.2 kHz to 500 kHz) to modulate neural populations, using multiple electrodes to deliver focused energy and reduce side effects, and incorporating sensing elements for real-time parameter adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-frequency electrical stimulation (under 1,200 Hz, typically around 130 Hz) is applied to the brain for deep brain stimulation, then neural firings can be synchronized and motor dysfunctions can be reduced, but undesired side effects occur including unwanted sensory effects, motor effects, speech disturbances, and cognitive effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from low-frequency stimulation (under 1,200 Hz, typically 130 Hz) to high-frequency stimulation (1.2 kHz to 500 kHz). This fundamental parameter change in frequency transforms the neural response, enabling therapeutic effects while eliminating the harmful side effects associated with low-frequency stimulation, such as unwanted sensory effects, motor effects, speech disturbances, and cognitive effects
2Reliability
If electrical probes are inserted into the patient's brain for deep brain stimulation, then motor dysfunctions can be treated, but the procedure is invasive and carries surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive approach of physically inserting electrical probes into the brain with a non-invasive electromagnetic field-based system. The treatment is delivered through the skull using electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through high-frequency electrical stimulation
3Reliability
If traditional deep brain stimulation is used to treat neurological conditions, then motor dysfunctions can be managed, but the treatment produces unwanted motor effects and cannot be adjusted in real-time based on patient response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that enable real-time monitoring of neural responses and automatic adjustment of stimulation parameters. The system detects patient response and dynamically modifies frequency, amplitude, and pulse width parameters to optimize therapeutic effects and minimize side effects, providing adaptability that traditional fixed-frequency DBS lacks
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical therapy applied to the brain with increased efficacy and/or decreased undesirable side effects, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative method includes applying a therapy signal to a patient, via at least one electrode at a subdural or epidural location at the patient's brain, to provide effective therapy that reduces or eliminates the effects of a patient disorder. The therapy signal does not induce any non-therapeutic side effects, and has a frequency in a frequency range of from 1.2 kHz to 500 kHz, an amplitude in an amplitude range from 0.1 to 20 mA, and a pulse width in a pulse width range from 1 microsecond to 400 microseconds.