Spinal Nerve Magnetic Stimulation for Spasticity Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spasticity, such as medications and surgical denervation, often come with significant side effects and are invasive, making a non-invasive, drug-free method desirable.
Innovation Solution
Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) is used to desensitize spinal nerves by administering magnetic field pulses near the target location, enhancing communication in the spinal nerve to relax muscles and improve coordination, potentially combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medications are used to treat spasticity, then muscle tone and reflexes are reduced, but significant side effects occur including dizziness, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and diarrhea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with physical therapy using repetitive magnetic stimulation. The magnetic field generator applies rhythmic magnetic pulses to the spinal nerve, inducing electrical currents that modulate neural activity and reduce spasticity without chemical side effects. This substitution eliminates harmful medication effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field pulses as an intermediary mechanism to treat spasticity. The magnetic field acts as a non-invasive mediator that penetrates tissue to stimulate spinal nerves, thereby modulating motor neuron activity and reducing muscle spasticity without directly affecting the patient's chemistry or causing systemic side effects.
2Reliability
If surgical denervation is performed to treat spasticity, then muscle tone is reduced, but the procedure is invasive and carries surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive surgical denervation with non-invasive magnetic stimulation. The magnetic field generator applies rhythmic magnetic pulses externally to the spinal nerve, inducing electrical currents that modulate neural activity and reduce spasticity without requiring tissue penetration or surgical intervention, thereby eliminating surgical risks.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of destroying or cutting nerve tissue through surgery, the patent uses magnetic stimulation to modulate and enhance normal neural function. The approach inverts the traditional destructive surgical method into a constructive, regulatory approach that restores balanced neural signaling without tissue damage.
3Reliability
If repetitive magnetic stimulation is applied to spinal nerves, then muscle relaxation and coordination improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic stimulation system into modular components: a magnetic field generator, a controller, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, adjustment, and clinical application, reducing the practical complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
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
rMS effectively reduces spasticity symptoms without medication, improving muscle control and coordination, as demonstrated in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cerebral palsy, with adjustable pulse frequencies and strengths tailored to individual tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
administering repetitive magnetic field pulses to the target location... the magnetic field induces an electric current or voltage potential in a target location on or near the spinal nerve
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, easy to use treatment for spasticity that does not involve medication. Methods and devices herein use low-frequency repetitive magnetic fields to enhance communication in the spinal nerve, thereby allowing improved relaxation, control, and coordination in a muscle.