Motion Detection Device for TMS Motor Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the motor threshold location and stimulation levels in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are time-consuming and highly dependent on the practitioner's skills, relying on visual observation and electromyography, which can lead to improper treatment due to inaccurate detection of magnetic field pulses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a motion detection device with depressible members and sensors to detect movement in response to magnetic stimulation pulses, using a processor to determine if the movement is within a specific time window associated with the pulse, thereby accurately identifying the motor threshold location and stimulation level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation and electromyography are used to determine motor threshold location and stimulation levels, then the practitioner can identify the treatment position, but the process becomes time-consuming and highly dependent on practitioner skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation and electromyography system with an automated motion detection system using accelerometers or gyroscopes. The motion detection device objectively measures body part movement in response to magnetic stimulation pulses, eliminating the need for practitioner skill-based visual assessment and significantly reducing determination time while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detection device enables the system to automatically determine motor threshold location and stimulation levels without requiring continuous practitioner intervention. The device self-monitors movement responses, automatically identifies when movement exceeds thresholds, and provides objective feedback, making the process independent of practitioner skills and substantially reducing time loss.
2Reliability
If the magnetic component operates improperly or produces magnetic field pulses outside designed specifications, then the device may appear to function correctly, but improper treatment is administered to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the motion detection device continuously monitors the patient's body part response to each magnetic stimulation pulse. By measuring actual movement responses and comparing them against expected responses, the system provides real-time feedback on whether the magnetic field pulses are being delivered correctly, enabling detection of improper operation that would otherwise go unnoticed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If return currents are spread over a wide surface area to slow current drop off, then the magnetic field distribution is improved, but return currents concentrate and cause higher rates of undesirable side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple independently controllable magnetic stimulation coils positioned at different locations. Each coil can be individually adjusted to optimize magnetic field distribution in its specific region, allowing precise control of field uniformity while managing return current concentrations locally rather than requiring a single wide-area configuration that would concentrate currents.
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 provides a more accurate and efficient method for determining the motor threshold location and stimulation levels, reducing the risk of improper treatment by distinguishing between movements caused by the magnetic pulse and other factors, thus improving the reliability of TMS procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The motion detection device may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., motion sensors, such as accelerometers, tack switches actuated via movement of a spring arm, etc.)
Implementation Method 2
When a changing magnetic field is applied to a portion of the body, neurons may be depolarized and stimulated. The same principle may hold true for conductive biological tissue. When a changing magnetic field is applied to a portion of the body, neurons may be depolarized and stimulated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a plurality of depressible members, wherein each depressible member is configured to move in response to movement of one or more digits of the subject. The system may include a plurality of sensors, wherein each depressible member is associated with at least one sensor, and wherein each sensor is configured to sense movement of at least one of the plurality of depressible members. The system may receive a feedback signal from each of the plurality of sensors, receive a signal that indicates a generation time of a magnetic stimulation pulse, and determine that the feedback signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors indicates movement within a time window after the generation time of the magnetic pulse. The system may generate, via a user interface, a notification that indicates that at least one of the depressible members moved in response to the magnetic pulse.