Lateral Visual Field Stimulation for Hemisphere Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for psychiatric disorders lack an effective method to specifically target and treat the affected hemisphere of the brain, leading to inadequate therapeutic outcomes for conditions like depression and anxiety.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using lateral visual field stimulation (LVFS) to determine which hemisphere of the brain requires treatment and applying near-infrared light (NIR) energy to the identified hemisphere, either to enhance positive emotional valence or improve functioning of the hemisphere with negative valence, thereby treating psychiatric disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional treatments for psychiatric disorders are applied, then treatment coverage is provided, but the ability to specifically target the affected hemisphere is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment approach is segmented into two distinct components: first, using lateral visual field stimulation to identify and segment the affected hemisphere, and second, applying light energy specifically to that identified hemisphere. This segmentation allows for precise targeting rather than generalized treatment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and therapeutic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by delivering light energy treatment specifically to the identified affected hemisphere rather than treating the entire brain uniformly. This localized approach ensures that the therapeutic intervention is concentrated where it is most needed, improving both hemisphere identification accuracy and therapeutic outcome effectiveness.
2Reliability
If light energy is applied to treat psychiatric disorders, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the ability to target the specific affected hemisphere is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lateral visual field stimulation as an intermediary diagnostic tool that bridges the gap between general psychiatric treatment and precise hemisphere targeting. This intermediary step identifies which hemisphere is affected, allowing the subsequent light energy treatment to be precisely targeted, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness without requiring overly complex treatment systems.
3Measurement precision
If lateral visual field stimulation is used to identify the affected hemisphere, then hemisphere identification accuracy is improved, but treatment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing lateral visual field stimulation and hemisphere identification before the actual light energy treatment. This preliminary diagnostic step ensures that the subsequent treatment is precisely targeted to the affected hemisphere, improving identification accuracy while keeping the overall treatment time manageable through efficient sequential processing.
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 results in significant improvements in depression and anxiety ratings, with 60% of patients achieving remission in depression and 70% in anxiety, as measured by the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales, indicating a substantial positive impact on mental well-being.
Implementation Method 1
Light in the near infrared spectrum, which penetrates the scalp and skull
Implementation Method 2
Light has been demonstrated in cell culture to increase mitochondrial respiration, increase ATP synthesis
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy are disclosed herein. A method for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy includes determining which hemisphere of the brain requires treatment using lateral visual field stimulation (LVFS) and applying light energy to the hemisphere of the brain to treat the psychiatric disorder other than depression. In an embodiment, light energy may include near infrared light (NIR). The methods of the present disclosure may be used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. In an embodiment, the methods may be used to treat a psychiatric disorder co-morbid with depression.