EEG-Guided Portable TMS System Using Rotating Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating mental disorders are subjective and lack pathophysiological understanding, leading to unreliable diagnoses and inefficient treatments, with traditional TMS devices being cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable neuro-electroencephalogram synchronization therapy (NEST) system that uses EEG data to customize transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on normative EEG databases, providing synchronized TMS treatment through a wearable device with rotating magnets and a mobile design, allowing for precise targeting of brain regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional large electric coils are used to generate rTMS, then magnetic field strength is sufficient for therapy, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the TMS treatment into two separate components: an EEG recording phase using portable headgear with sensors, and a TMS stimulation phase using a separate portable magnet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for portability while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness when used in sequence based on EEG-guided protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary EEG recording and analysis before administering TMS treatment. The EEG data is used to determine optimal stimulation parameters and target locations, allowing the TMS magnet to be applied more precisely and potentially with lower intensity, thereby improving portability without sacrificing therapeutic power.
2Reliability
If EEG-based customization is implemented, then treatment precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable headgear serves multiple functions: it records EEG data for diagnostic purposes, identifies optimal TMS target locations, determines stimulation parameters, and guides the TMS treatment protocol. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own EEG data to automatically determine TMS treatment parameters and target locations, reducing the need for complex manual setup and clinician interpretation. The device essentially guides its own operation based on the recorded brain activity patterns.
3Weight of moving object
If portable design with rotating magnets is used, then device portability and energy consumption improve, but magnetic field consistency and treatment precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The portable magnet rotates periodically to deliver TMS pulses, creating time-varying magnetic fields through controlled periodic motion rather than requiring complex electromagnetic coil systems. This periodic rotation enables portable design while maintaining field consistency through precise control of rotation speed and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time or near-real-time EEG feedback to monitor brain activity during and between TMS sessions, allowing dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters to compensate for any variations in magnetic field delivery caused by the portable rotating magnet system.
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 offers a reliable, portable, and efficient means of delivering TMS treatment tailored to individual brain activity, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy while reducing the need for bulky equipment and high energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic fields, especially time and magnitude-varying magnetic fields, can also be generated by movement of one or more magnets. For example, some devices provide TMS by using rotating permanent magnets where magnets are positioned around a patient's head to provide TMS towards regions of the patient's brain
Implementation Method 2
electroencephalogram (EEG) data... capturing the EEG data from a patient... customize the application of TMS based on the EEG data compared to the normative EEG data from the database
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) data. The system and method may include a portable neuro-electroencephalogram synchronization therapy (NEST) system for capturing EEG data from a patient. The system and method may also include an electrophysiology database and customized TMS treatment system for receiving the EEG data from the portable NEST system. The electrophysiology database and customized TMS treatment system may determine a TMS treatment based on the received EEG data. The portable NEST system may provide synchronized TMS based on the determined TMS treatment.