Kilohertz Magnetic Brain Stimulation for Reliable Neural Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques face reliability and robustness issues due to limitations in existing technologies, particularly in inducing consistent and controlled neural excitability changes, which affects their efficacy in both research and clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
A kilohertz transcranial magnetic perturbation (kTMP) system that operates in the subthreshold space, using continuous high-frequency magnetic fields to induce electric fields with greater amplitude and dynamic range, combining the spatial precision of TMS with the neural modulation capabilities of tES, allowing for more robust and controlled neural excitability changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional TMS or tES techniques are used, then brain stimulation can be applied, but the reliability and robustness of neural excitability changes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spatial precision of TMS with the neural modulation capabilities of tES to create kTMP, merging the advantages of both techniques to achieve reliable and robust neural excitability changes with sufficient dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses kilohertz frequency magnetic fields instead of conventional TMS pulse frequencies or tES electrical fields, changing the frequency parameter to achieve both reliability and adequate dynamic range for neural modulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-frequency magnetic fields are used to increase dynamic range, then neural perturbation capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical field generation systems with magnetic field-based kTMP, simplifying the system architecture while achieving the desired dynamic range for neural modulation
3Ease of operation
If conventional NIBS techniques are used, then brain stimulation is achievable, but comfort and suitability for double-blind studies are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The kTMP system provides comfortable stimulation that is suitable for double-blind studies, allowing participants to undergo stimulation without being able to distinguish between active and sham conditions, thereby ensuring both comfort and experimental reliability
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 kTMP system provides a more powerful tool for inducing transient changes in neural excitability, enhancing research and clinical applications by increasing the dynamic range of neural perturbation, improving reliability, and enabling frequency-specific effects, while being more comfortable and suitable for double-blind studies.
Implementation Method 1
using continuous high-frequency magnetic fields to induce electric fields with greater amplitude and dynamic range
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic stimulation system includes a magnetic coil to generate an electric field of a magnitude having a desired effect on a brain, a voltage to current source to generate a current waveform having an amplitude and frequency to produce the electric field, and a controller to control the voltage to current source and to apply the current to the magnetic coil to provide perturbation of brain tissue using one or more periods of either continuously induced electric field with constant amplitude and frequency, or periods of electric field with at least one of amplitude and frequency modulation. A method of magnetically stimulating a brain includes placing a coil near a brain, and applying a current having an amplitude and frequency to the coil to produce an electric field having a desired effect on the brain, wherein the amplitude and frequency are applied using one of either one or more periods of continuously induced electric fields with constant amplitude and frequency, or periods of an electric field with at least one of either amplitude and frequency modulation.