Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Positioning for Food Craving Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack effective means to enhance self-control and reduce food cravings and binge eating through targeted brain stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a time-varying magnetic field applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to modulate cortical excitability, inducing changes in brain activity to reduce food cravings and binge eating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcranial magnetic stimulation is applied to modulate cortical excitability, then self-control and resistance to food cravings are enhanced, but the device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a magnetic field generation unit, a positioning system with adjustable arms, and a control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality for targeted brain stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arms are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the applicator to be dynamically positioned on different brain regions. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same device to treat various conditions by simply changing the position, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning of the applicator is achieved, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation and positioning time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-configured positioning mechanisms and guides that prepare the positioning system in advance for accurate placement. The adjustable arms come with pre-set adjustment increments and visual alignment markers that guide the operator through the positioning process, reducing the skill level required while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning guides and alignment markers serve as intermediary elements between the operator and the target brain region. These intermediaries provide visual and mechanical references that simplify the positioning task, allowing operators to achieve precise positioning without requiring extensive anatomical knowledge or complex manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If magnetic field parameters are optimized for cortical excitability modulation, then therapeutic effect is enhanced, but the energy consumption and heating effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied in periodic pulses rather than continuous waves. The control unit delivers magnetic field pulses at specific intervals and durations, allowing the brain tissue to dissipate heat between pulses. This periodic action maintains therapeutic effectiveness while significantly reducing average energy consumption and thermal accumulation compared to continuous application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows dynamic adjustment of magnetic field parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration. The control unit can modify these parameters in real-time based on treatment requirements and patient response, optimizing the balance between therapeutic effect and energy consumption. Different parameter sets can be selected for different brain regions and treatment goals.
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 self-control, reduces food cravings, and prevents weight gain by inducing long-lasting changes in cortical excitability and dopamine release.
Implementation Method 1
A time-varying magnetic field may be applied to the head of a patient and induce electric current in at least part of a central nervous system
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to devices and methods for applying a magnetic field on a body of a patient. The time-varying magnetic field may applied to a brain of the patient. The disclosure provides a method of finding the position suitable for application of the magnetic field to the brain. The devices and methods of the disclosure may be suitable for reducing of food craving.