Random-Interval TMS Guided by EEG for Adaptive Brain Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TMS treatments deliver a single frequency at a set intensity, which may not effectively modulate brain activity for various psychological and medical disorders, lacking adaptability to individual patient EEG characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Administer TMS with random variable pulse intervals derived from individual EEG characteristics, using wavelet transform algorithms to filter noise and generate stochastic resonance, delivering pulses in a randomized fashion with idealized probability distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If TMS is delivered at a single frequency with set intensity, then the treatment protocol is simple and easy to implement, but the adaptability to individual patient EEG characteristics is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-frequency TMS protocol into a dynamic system where pulse intervals continuously adapt to the patient's real-time EEG characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters based on ongoing brain activity monitoring, making the treatment both adaptable and responsive to individual neural patterns while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a closed-loop feedback system where the patient's EEG signal is continuously monitored and used to modulate the TMS pulse intervals. The system extracts EEG frequencies, compares them against target frequencies, and adjusts stimulation timing accordingly, creating a self-regulating adaptive protocol that maintains simplicity through automated feedback control.
2Device complexity
If TMS uses fixed pulse intervals, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to modulate targeted brain wave frequencies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-interval pulsing to dynamic interval adjustment based on real-time EEG analysis. Pulse intervals automatically adapt to match or counteract targeted brain wave frequencies, enhancing the system's ability to modulate specific frequency bands while maintaining relatively simple hardware through software-based adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temporal parameter of pulse intervals from fixed to variable, allowing the system to optimize stimulation timing based on extracted EEG frequencies. This parameter modulation enables effective targeting of specific brain wave frequencies (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If random variable pulse intervals are used, then the adaptability to EEG characteristics is improved, but the complexity of determining optimal pulse timing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time EEG feedback to automatically determine optimal pulse intervals, eliminating the need for complex pre-programming or manual adjustment. The feedback loop continuously monitors brain activity and adjusts stimulation timing accordingly, managing complexity through automated adaptive control rather than intricate system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically extracting EEG frequencies and using them to modulate pulse intervals without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms. The adaptive protocol serves itself by leveraging the patient's own neural signals to guide stimulation timing, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances brain activity modulation, leading to improved clinical outcomes in conditions such as ASD, PTSD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and others, by increasing targeted brain wave amplitudes and reducing abnormal activity.
Implementation Method 1
TMS is delivered by an apparatus that is comprised of magnetic coils that provide pulsed magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
The random variable pulse interval settings are derived from a patient's EEG signal that has been extracted from analysis with a filtering process to attenuate EEG frequencies higher and lower than the desired EEG frequencies being targeted including but not limited to wavelet transform analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modulating a brain activity of a mammal is achieved by subjecting the mammal to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with a TMS apparatus at random variable pulse intervals for a time sufficient to modulate said brain activity. The method can also be used by administering electric stimulation to the brain. Improvement in a physiological condition or a clinical condition is achieved. Conditions to be treated include but are not limited to PTSD, autism spectrum disorder addiction (SUD) and Alzheimer's disease.