Paired-Pulse TMS Timing for Effective Low-Intensity Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques lack optimal pulse sequencing strategies to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient comfort, often relying on monotonous stimulation patterns that can lead to decreased efficacy and increased unwanted effects on surface musculature and the eyes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves delivering TMS sessions using pulse trains with varying bursts and pulse pairs, where each pulse train comprises 2 to 20 bursts, with intervals between bursts ranging from 80 to 500 ms, and intervals between pulses and pulse trains ranging from 1 to 20 ms and 1 to 60 seconds respectively, allowing for lower intensity stimulation and improved targeting of specific brain regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monotonous stimulation patterns are used in TMS, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but treatment effectiveness decreases and unwanted effects on surface musculature and eyes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation pattern is segmented into distinct hierarchical components: pulse pairs (two pulses close together), bursts (groups of pulse pairs), and pulse trains (sequences of bursts). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for therapeutic effect while managing complexity through modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic stimulation patterns where pulses are delivered in rhythmic sequences with specific intervals. Pulse pairs are separated by 5-20ms, bursts by 80-500ms, and pulse trains by 1-60 seconds, creating a structured periodic action that enhances treatment effectiveness compared to random or monotonous patterns.
2Reliability
If higher intensity stimulation is applied to enhance treatment effectiveness, then the therapeutic impact increases, but unwanted effects on surface musculature and eyes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously to achieve therapeutic effect at lower intensity: pulse interval (1-20ms within pairs), burst interval (80-500ms), and train interval (1-60 seconds). By optimizing these temporal parameters, the stimulation achieves greater neural impact per unit of intensity, reducing unwanted effects while maintaining therapeutic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation protocol is made dynamic through variable intervals between pulses, bursts, and trains. Rather than fixed repetitive patterns, the system adjusts timing parameters to optimize neural response while minimizing activation of superficial muscles and ocular structures, allowing lower overall intensity for the same therapeutic effect.
3Ease of operation
If pulse intervals are standardized across all patients, then the treatment protocol is simplified and easier to administer, but individual response optimization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While providing standardized baseline intervals for ease of administration (pulse pairs: 5-20ms, bursts: 80-500ms, trains: 1-60 seconds), the protocol allows dynamic adjustment of these parameters based on individual patient response. The structured framework enables both standardized delivery and personalized optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes standardized parameter ranges that can be selectively adjusted: pulse intervals (1-20ms), burst intervals (80-500ms), and train intervals (1-60 seconds). Clinicians can select specific values within these ranges to optimize treatment for individual patients while maintaining the overall structured approach.
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 enhances TMS effectiveness by increasing the impact of pulse pairs over single pulses, reducing unwanted effects, and allowing for personalized optimization of pulse intervals based on individual responses and brain activity, thereby improving patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Transcranial magnetic stimulation entails delivery of electromagnetic fields through a cranium into the intracranial space, where the delivered electromagnetic field will interact with tissue
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a session of therapeutic transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, the method comprising: defining a session of transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, the session of TMS comprising a plurality of pulse trains, each pulse train comprising at least one burst and each burst comprising at least one pulse pair; placing a TMS device relative to an individual's brain such that the TMS device targets a selected region within the brain; and applying the session of TMS using the TMS device, wherein each pulse train comprises 2 to 20 bursts, the interval between bursts being 80 to 500 ms, the interval between pulses of the at least one pulse pair is 1 to 20 ms, and the interval between pulse trains is 1 to 60 seconds.