Frequency-following response analysis for traumatic brain injury detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing non-penetrating brain injuries, such as concussions, are largely subjective and lack objective markers, with existing neuroimaging and electrophysiological approaches showing limitations in reliably identifying individual differences and milder forms of brain injury.

Innovation Solution

The method involves analyzing frequency-following responses (FFR) to acoustic stimuli, specifically by fitting subjects with electrodes, administering complex sounds, and recording brain responses to identify anomalous components like fundamental frequency, neural timing, and stimulus-response correlation, which can indicate non-penetrating brain injuries and assess recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective symptom reporting is used for concussion diagnosis, then the diagnostic process is simple and quick, but the reliability and objectivity of diagnosis deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic process simplicityVSAvoiddiagnosis objectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary assessment tool that measures cognitive functions (processing speed, attention, memory) as an objective mediator between subjective symptom reporting and definitive diagnosis. This intermediary provides quantifiable data that enhances diagnostic objectivity while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of subjective self-reporting with an automated cognitive assessment system that objectively measures neural processing functions, thereby substituting human judgment with instrument-based measurement to improve reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If neuroimaging techniques are used to detect concussions, then objective markers are obtained, but the equipment cost and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex neuroimaging equipment by focusing on specific cognitive processing measures that can be obtained through simpler, more accessible assessment tools, thereby maintaining objective detection capability while reducing equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive, portable cognitive assessment tools that can be readily deployed without requiring expensive, fixed neuroimaging infrastructure, effectively replacing complex equipment with simpler, more accessible alternatives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If existing electrophysiological approaches are used, then brain response data is collected, but the ability to identify individual differences and milder injuries deteriorates due to group-level analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain response data collectionVSAvoidindividual difference detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing on specific cognitive processing domains (processing speed, attention, memory) rather than analyzing all brain response data uniformly, allowing for precise detection of individual differences in specific functional areas that may be affected by mild injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the brain response data into distinct cognitive processing components and analyzes each separately, enabling more precise identification of subtle individual differences and milder injuries that would be obscured in aggregate group-level analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a more objective and granular assessment of non-penetrating brain injuries, enabling accurate identification and monitoring of recovery by analyzing specific brain response components, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

analyzing one or more components of frequency-following response (FFR) following administration of an acoustic stimulus to the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency-following response:

Data Source

PatentUS11969256B2Systems and methods for the acute evaluation of traumatic brain injuries

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 NORTHWESTERN UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods for identifying non-penetrating brain injury in a subject, as well as methods for classifying a subject that received a hit to the body that transmitted an impulsive force to the brain as either having a non-penetrating brain injury or not, by analyzing one or more components of frequency-following response (FFR) following administration of an acoustic stimulus to the subject. In addition, the present disclosure provides methods for assessing a subject's recovery from a non-penetrating brain injury. Also disclosed herein are processes and systems for automatically generating acoustic stimuli and processing brain response data to identify non-penetrating brain injuries in subjects.