Handheld Magnetic Pulser for Migraine Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for migraine headaches are often ineffective in preventing the onset of pain and have undesirable side effects, with no non-invasive, non-drug methods available to prevent migraine occurrences before they become painful.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held magnetic pulser device that applies high-intensity, short-duration magnetic pulses to the brain, which can be used to prevent migraine headaches by stimulating specific nerves and limiting the number of pulses to ensure proper usage and safety, with features like a visual display for charging and pulse count, and the option for remote refill via telephone or USB key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil is placed over the scalp to produce high intensity magnetic field for TMS treatment, then therapeutic electric currents are generated in the brain, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult for patient self-administration
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a head-mounted coil assembly and a handheld controller unit. The coil assembly includes only the magnetic coil and necessary wiring, while the controller contains the power supply, control circuitry, and user interface. This segmentation allows the therapeutic component to remain effective while making the overall system portable and easy to self-administer.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy power supply and control electronics are extracted from the head-mounted portion and placed in a separate handheld controller. This extraction reduces the weight and complexity of the head-mounted device, making it comfortable to wear and easy to self-apply without requiring cumbersome equipment on the patient's head.
2Reliability
If continuous repetitive magnetic pulses (rTMS) are applied to treat migraine, then therapeutic effects are enhanced, but treatment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device delivers magnetic pulses in controlled periodic sequences rather than continuous application. The handheld controller allows patients to administer brief bursts of repetitive pulses (rTMS) followed by intervals, providing therapeutic benefit while keeping each treatment session short and manageable for self-administration.
3Reliability
If magnetic field strength is increased to erase migraine aura, then preventive effect is improved, but risk of adverse effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual displays that show pulse delivery status, battery charge level, and treatment progress. This feedback allows patients to monitor their treatment and ensures that high-intensity pulses are delivered only when intended and appropriate, reducing the risk of accidental adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If device is made portable for patient convenience, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld controller serves multiple functions: it powers the magnetic coil, controls pulse delivery timing and intensity, displays treatment status, monitors battery charge, and provides user guidance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single portable unit, the device achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as each function leverages standard electronic components.
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 device effectively prevents migraine headaches by creating therapeutic electric currents in the brain, ensuring safe and controlled usage, and providing a convenient, non-invasive treatment option for patients.
Implementation Method 1
A portable magnetic pulser...which creates a magnetic pulse that, by electromagnetic induction, creates an electric current in the brain
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a means and method for the treatment of migraine headaches and other disorders of the human body by the application of one or more intense magnetic pulses. By placing an intense magnetic field pulse(s) onto a certain region of the brain, an electrical current can be generated in the cerebral cortex that can stop a migraine headache in some patients or at least decrease its severity. The device to perform this function can be called a “magnetic pulser system.” This system can be made in one piece and powered by plugging into a household or automobile receptacle or from a battery. The pulser system uses capacitors that are first charged to a high voltage and then discharged into a coil that creates the intense magnetic pulse. Both visual and auditory signals can be provided by the pulser system to assist the patient in using the device.