This technology is a closed-loop system combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) to deliver repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) phase-locked to the individual patient’s alpha wave.
Current methods that combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are only capable of simultaneous TMS-EEG recordings and are open-loop. Open-loop systems measure neurophysiological responses after TMS treatment, yet fail to consider the state of the brain during input. In addition, the lack of fMRI recording during treatment omits information related to spatial brain activity. Although fMRI, TMS, and EEG systems exist, there are currently no systems that can perform simultaneous fMRI-EEG recording and utilize these measurements to tune TMS in real-time.
This technology combines a bipolar electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) neurostimulator in a custom built TMS coil positioner and MRI compatible setup. At the start of each treatment session, the individual alpha frequency (IAF) is determined using a short EEG recording. This recording is then used to predict the time point for the next peak for TMS triggering by using a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) model fit parameter. The predicted time point for the next peak in the alpha rhythm is then scheduled for future triggering. After each rTMS pulse, a new model is fit using EEG measurements to ensure treatment is synchronized with the desired alpha frequency.
This system has been tested in a clinical setting on patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
IR CU21237
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu
