Non-invasive Neuronal Stimulation System with EEG Biomarker Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive electrical brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), have limited effectiveness in treating neurological disorders like stroke-induced visual impairments due to variability in patient response, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, hindering optimization of treatment protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a signal generator for alternating current stimulation, an application device for the optic nerve, a biomarker calculation unit to optimize stimulation based on EEG signals, and an optimization unit to dynamically adjust the stimulation signal to achieve specific biomarker values, allowing for patient-specific adaptation and maximizing the proportion of responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive electrical brain stimulation methods (tDCS, tACS) are used to treat neurological disorders, then the treatment can be applied without surgical intervention, but the effectiveness is limited due to high variability in patient response and lack of understanding of underlying mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures EEG signals during stimulation and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to individual patient responses and maximizes treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation parameters are made dynamically adjustable during treatment based on real-time biomarker feedback, allowing the system to adapt stimulation intensity, frequency, and duration to optimize therapeutic effect for each patient
2Ease of operation
If fixed stimulation protocols are used for all patients, then the treatment procedure is simple and easy to implement, but the proportion of responders is low due to individual variability in patient response
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines optimal stimulation parameters for each patient based on their individual EEG biomarkers and response patterns, enabling the treatment to self-optimize without requiring complex manual customization by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes stimulation parameters (intensity, frequency, duration) based on measured biomarker responses, transforming a fixed protocol into an adaptive treatment that identifies and responds to individual patient characteristics
3Reliability
If stimulation parameters are dynamically adjusted based on real-time biomarker feedback, then the treatment effectiveness is maximized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions (EEG signal acquisition, biomarker calculation, stimulation signal generation, real-time optimization) into a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated adaptive capabilities
4Adaptability or versatility
If the underlying mechanisms of transcranial stimulation are not well understood, then research flexibility is maintained, but the ability to optimize treatment protocols is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing real-time EEG feedback and biomarker monitoring, the system creates an objective measure of treatment response that enables protocol optimization without requiring complete understanding of underlying neural mechanisms, bridging the gap between research flexibility and clinical optimization
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 enables automatic optimization of electrical stimulation during treatment, significantly increasing the proportion of responders and improving non-invasive treatment efficacy for neurological disorders, particularly visual disorders, by dynamically adjusting stimulation parameters based on real-time biomarker feedback.
Implementation Method 1
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial stimulation with randomized high-frequency current signals (tRNS - transcranial high-frequency random noise stimulation) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
Implementation Method 2
measurement signal, in particular an EEG signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for electrical and/or magnetic neuronal stimulation, comprising a signal generator for generating a stimulation signal, in particular an alternating-current stimulation signal, an applicator for applying the stimulation signal, in particular in an area on or directly around the optic nerve, a lead for deriving a measurement signal, in particular an EEG signal, a biomarker calculation unit for calculating a biomarker based on the measurement signal, and an optimization unit, in particular for performing a stochastic optimization process, for optimizing the value of the biomarker by varying the stimulation signal.