Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Metabolic Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) primarily focus on treating addictions and neurological disorders, with limited application in regulating metabolism, sympathetic nervous system activity, or influencing control centers in the brain for conditions like obesity, and lack assessment in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for modulating brain electrical activity using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with a magnetic pulse frequency greater than or equal to 1 Hz and intensity above a determined threshold, applied to specific areas of the scalp, including the prefrontal cortex and insula, to influence glucose metabolism, sympathetic nervous system activity, and intestinal microbiota, without therapeutic intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If deep transcranial magnetic stimulation is applied to treat addictions and neurological disorders, then the effectiveness in reducing craving and consumption of substances is improved, but the application in regulating metabolism and sympathetic nervous system activity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the application of rTMS from traditional addiction and neurological disorder treatment to include metabolism regulation, sympathetic nervous system modulation, and weight management. The same magnetic stimulation device and methodology are adapted to serve multiple therapeutic functions by targeting different brain regions (prefrontal cortex, insula) and adjusting stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) to achieve diverse physiological outcomes.
2Reliability
If repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is applied to modulate brain electrical activity for metabolism regulation, then blood glucose levels are reduced and insulin sensitivity is improved, but the mechanism of action in non-addiction contexts is not yet assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a comprehensive assessment protocol that precedes and accompanies the rTMS treatment for metabolism regulation. This includes baseline measurements of blood glucose, insulin levels, and other metabolic parameters, followed by systematic monitoring during and after treatment sessions. The assessment framework is designed to capture the mechanism of action by correlating stimulation parameters with physiological responses, thereby generating the missing mechanism assessment data.
3Productivity
If magnetic stimulation is applied at high frequency (≥1 Hz) and intensity above threshold to specific brain areas, then brain electrical activity is effectively modulated, but the risk of involuntary stimulation of certain brain parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs localized magnetic stimulation by positioning the magnetic coil to target specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex, insula) with high spatial precision. The stimulation parameters are optimized for each target region to achieve effective modulation while minimizing spread to adjacent areas. This localized approach allows high-frequency, high-intensity stimulation to be applied safely by confining the effects to the intended target zones and avoiding involuntary stimulation of sensitive brain structures.
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 effectively reduces blood glucose levels, alters hormone levels, and promotes weight loss by modulating the brain's control centers, improving insulin sensitivity and intestinal microbiota composition, thereby addressing metabolic and weight-related issues without the use of drugs or invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The rTMS technique uses an instrument called 'stimulator' which supplies electricity to a magnetic coil which generates a magnetic field in the brain for a short time. The magnetic field produced by the coil goes through the scalp up to the brain without any dispersion and in an almost painless manner
Implementation Method 2
Induced electrical activity in the brain causes a depolarization of nerve cells, i.e. excites them, resulting in the stimulation (high frequency TMS>1 Hz) or inhibition (low frequency TMS≤1 Hz) of the brain activity
Data Source
AI summary
A deep and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of an individual is performed by applying magnetic pulses at least to a region of the scalp of the individual, the region being at least the bilateral prefrontal cortex, and can include preferably the bilateral prefrontal cortex and can include the insula. A threshold intensity of the magnetic pulses is determined by applying to the individual one or more reference magnetic stimulations, and a reaction of the individual to the reference stimulation is determined. The reaction corresponds to a right thumb movement. A magnetic stimulation is repeatedly applied for at least 80 trains per session for a duration not exceeding 2 seconds each with a time interval between a train application and the next one not less than 20 seconds, wherein the magnetic stimulation has a frequency of at least 18 Hz with an intensity of stimulation at least 120% of the threshold intensity.