Transcranial Electrostimulation System Combining tDCS and Theta Burst Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial electrostimulation methods lack effectiveness in enhancing brain or neuronal plasticity and treatment efficacy for conditions such as stroke, TBI, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Innovation Solution
A transcranial electrostimulation system combining direct current stimulation (tDCS) with theta burst stimulation (TBS), utilizing an alternating current source to deliver adjustable direct current and multiple bursts of alternating current, with adjustable parameters for pulse width, gap, and repetition to provide continuous or intermittent TBS, along with a disposable and portable electrode for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transcranial electrostimulation methods (tDCS or TBS alone) are used, then the treatment is simple and well-tolerated, but the effectiveness in enhancing brain plasticity and treatment efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct transcranial stimulation methods (tDCS and TBS) into a single integrated system. The device delivers both direct current stimulation and theta burst stimulation through the same electrode interface, allowing synergistic effects on brain plasticity while maintaining a unified device architecture rather than requiring separate systems for each modulation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system employs periodic alternating current waveforms with specific pulse patterns characteristic of theta burst stimulation, superimposed on a direct current baseline. This periodic modulation within the alternating current enables the TBS component while the underlying direct current provides the tDCS effect, achieving dual modulation through temporally structured electrical delivery.
2Reliability
If multiple stimulation parameters (pulse width, gap, repetition) are adjusted to enhance brain plasticity, then treatment efficacy improves, but the complexity of parameter control and device operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters including pulse width, inter-pulse gap, and repetition frequency that can be modified in real-time during treatment. This dynamic control allows optimization of stimulation protocols for different clinical conditions and patient responses, with the device adapting parameters during operation rather than requiring fixed pre-programmed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables systematic variation of electrical stimulation parameters such as current amplitude, pulse duration, and frequency to optimize therapeutic effects. By providing controlled adjustment of these physical parameters, the system allows clinicians to tailor the stimulation protocol to specific treatment goals and patient needs, achieving enhanced brain plasticity through parameter optimization.
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
Facilitates enhanced functional recovery and development in patients with neurologic dysfunction by modulating brain excitability and inducing long-term after-effects, potentially through mechanisms like Long-Term Potentiation and Depression, offering improved symptomatic relief and neural reorganization.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current source for providing direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with theta burst stimulation (TBS)... delivering electrical stimulation through electrodes to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides transcranial electrostimulation by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) to achieve an unexpected therapeutic effect in various brain or neural diseases. Accordingly, the invention provides a mode of direct current with biphasic square wave pulses in the treatment of brain or neural diseases. Also provided are methods of employing the transcranial electrostimulation of the invention and applications of the transcranial electrostimulation of the invention.