Title of Invention: Electromagnetic point stimulation of the synaptic space for the treatment of various neurological disorders

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is related to medical engineering and cognitive science.

Background Art

[0002] Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The procedure involves placing a magnetic coil on the scalp, which generates a magnetic field that passes through the skull and stimulates the brain cells beneath it. TMS has been used to treat a variety of brain disorders, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These findings suggest that TMS may have potential as a therapeutic approach for a wide range of brain disorders.

[0003] Most of the inventions in this field focus on stimulating the Vagus nerve, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands, while the function of the device presented in the present document is specifically applied to the cells of the head cortex. In most inventions of prior knowledge, the frequency of producing magnetic impulses in the above device starts from 1 Hz.

[0004]

Summary of Invention

[0005] Over the course of the day ‘the brain produces more than 42‘000 waves at the lowest dominant frequency ‘ILF to the highest GAMA state. The device disclosed in this in each band of the brain stimulates 4 out of 42‘000 waves based on the time intervals that are most excitatory. In this case, dendrites are stimulated 47 times with a predefined time algorithm at a time interval of 21 minutes (1260 seconds). The device is an electronic device consisting of a circuit, an 18 volt adapter, a displayer, a touch keyboard and a special coil which is placed in a container. The circuit has a microcontroller to make and send an electronic signal to the coil. The circuit is capable of making electronic signal according to the specifications placed in its original IC. The user turns on the device via the keyboard (three-button touch) and can choose one of the four modes embedded in the circuit and run or stop it by hitting the third button. The coil is responsible for sending the built-in waves to the user. The circuit and the device are turned off and on for a certain period of time, for example twenty-one minutes. This device changes the behavior of these neurons by very weak and sub-threshold stimulation. On the other hand, this amount of electromagnetic radiation is much lower than the virtual amount mentioned in the latest edition of the book Occupational Exposure Limits (World Standard).

[0006] Some of the features of this device are:

[0007] Deformation of the synaptic space using brain stimulation with field intensity below 149.6 specific pT.

[0008] Making a special coil that has the ability to accurately send brain waves.

[0009] Accurate identification of brain waves that are highly excitable.

[0010] Identifying and constructing a temporal algorithm for precise and point stimulation in the brain with regular time intervals

[0011] Creation of long term potentiation in the post-synaptic cell is associated with the change of dendritic spine shape and also changes the post-synaptic density from 25 to 50 nm. Temporal analysis of the signal created by this device, especially intervals smaller than 20ms in magnetic stimulation, changes the synaptic space.

[0012] Since the shape of the dendritic spine is effective in its electrical properties, the synaptic learning process, especially its delay in signal transmission, determines the frequency created in the neuron.

[0013] The main advantage of this device, which belongs to the TMS family, is the very low field intensity and its very high effectiveness. Almost similar devices that can create the treatment process usually have a field intensity of 1 .5 to 3 million micro-tesla, compared to those devices, this equipment creates a field intensity of 20 to 149.6 micro-tesla, which is 20 thousand times compared to the TMS family, is lower.

[0014] The device creates a greater effect on the brain due to the low field intensity. Also, this invention is able to change the plasticity process of the synaptic space, while other TMS family devices are not able to do this (their mechanism of action is to discharge cells with very high voltage.

Technical Problem

[0015] Most TMS devices focus on frequency and do not consider interruptions. Usual TMS devices which can create the treatment process usually have a field intensity of 1 .5 to 3 million micro-tesla.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] The figures of the present document are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

[0017] Fig .1 illustrates a perspective of the device.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows an explosive view of the device.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the lower body of the device with more details.

[0020] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the coil body, wire coils, and coil plug.

[0021] Fig. 5 shows the socket, the socket body, socket wires, the displayer, and the displayer electronic board.

[0022] Fig. 6 shows the details of the bases.

[0023] Fig. 7 shows the membrane pad, the start and stop buttons, the change mode button, the launch button, flat cables, and membrane sockets.

[0024] Fig. 8 shows how the first antenna is positioned on the person’s head.

[0025] Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of the electronic control circuit of the board.

[0026] Fig. 10 illustrates a sample of the electronic control circuit.

Description of Embodiments

[0027] The results of the study of brain waves have proven that brain wave patterns have a unique function in certain conditions. [0028] The brain waves observed in the brain(for example by QEEG) are the result of the correlation of millions of neurons that work at once in a certain frequency spectrum, which results in a wave dominating the brain.

[0029] The dominant wave indicates that most brain neurons operate at that frequency and other neurons that operate at another frequency are less in number.

[0030] The brain is active all day and night and always produces a wide range of brain waves, the emitting of these waves leads to a specific function in the body. For example, the faster brain wave in the brain is called beta, which is usually associated with a state of alertness during the day. Beta waves, or beta rhythm, are a neural oscillation (brainwave) in the brain with a frequency range of between 12.5 and 30 Hz. If beta waves prevail at night with the same intensity as the day, the body's mechanism breaks down.

[0031] The equipment disclosed in the present document is able to change the dominant brain wave(band) from one state to another. Due to the matching of the frequencies created with the frequencies produced in the brain, the change of behavior is done smoothly and continuously with a specific time algorithm, ultimately causing lasting treatment.

[0032] Activity speed higher or lower than the critical interval in the presynaptic neuron; causes long-term changes in postsynaptic neuron sensitivity, changes including Long Term Potentiation (LTP), Long term depression(LTD), and spike timing dependent plasticity(STDP).

[0033] According to Hebb's law, the synaptic space changes, or the phenomenon of neural plasticity.

[0034] The effects of neuroplasticity occur in two modes, homosynaptic and heterosynaptic, which depend on the type of activated synapse and connection structure.

[0035] The main mechanism of neuroplasticity involves blocking or activating ion channels by changing the concentration of calcium in the cell. Different mechanisms by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can change cell activity depending on induction frequency and neuron type (predominant neurotransmitter receptors of postsynaptic cell). [0036] Changes in synapse flexibility are often caused by changes in the number of neurotransmitter receptors present in a synapse. Here are several basic mechanisms to achieve synaptic plasticity.

[0037] Among these mechanisms, we can mention the changes in the amount of neurotransmitters released in the synapse and the effective way the cell responds to these neurotransmitters. It has been discovered that synaptic plasticity in both inhibitory and excitatory neurons is dependent on calcium release from the postsynaptic neuron.

[0038] The sequence of events involved in the transmission of a nerve message in a chemical synapse is as follows:

[0039] First, a nerve impulse in the form of a brief electrical discharge, called an action potential, enters the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and causes a disturbance in the distribution of positively and negatively charged particles throughout the presynaptic membrane.

[0040] Membrane depolarization leads to the opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, and this in turn increases the calcium concentration of the presynaptic neuron by extracellular Ca2+. This causes the synaptic vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane, a process called exocytosis, which leads to the release of their neurotransmitter contents into the synaptic cleft.

[0041] The neurotransmitter molecules then diffuse into the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

[0042] There are two types of postsynaptic receptors and they determine the response of the postsynaptic neuron according to the structure and binding mechanism of the neurotransmitter. One type of receptor is ionotropic, which forms an ion channel. The second type of receptor is metabotropic, which do not has ion channels; however, by binding to these receptors, the neurotransmitter activates intermediate molecules known as G protein, which interact directly with ion channels or with other proteins effective in regulating ion channels.

[0043] Activation of each of these receptors directly (in the case of ionotropic receptors) or indirectly (in the case of metabotropic receptors) leads to a sudden change in the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to certain ions, in which case the subsequent sequence of these events stimulates the postsynaptic neuron.

[0044] Transmission of nerve messages in the brain and discharge of electric charge in nerve cells is the basis for receiving (neural impulses) and analysis (providing behavioral and emotional responses).

[0045] Performing these interactions in each part of the brain cells emits magnetic waves with certain wavelengths. Today, with the detailed identification and study of these wavelengths and the cells emitting these waves, it has become possible to influence the functioning of the cells to some extent by carrying out interventions.

[0046] The function and method of these devices is based on transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain. The technology used in this device is such that it first harmonizes its waves with the harmony of frequencies produced in the brain. Then it strengthens and improves the frequency of the brain waves in a way so that the person can perform better in accessing the expected functions in the desired activities.

[0047] Technology disclosed in this document, is able to change the behavior of billions of neurons in a moment, and if some neurons do not function normally, such as anxiety-depression situation, it can be moved to normal in a smooth and coordinated manner with the harmony of brain waves. In other words, when the brain goes out of normal due to environmental and behavioral conditions, the behavior of the neurons in the brain also changes. For example, the brain waves of a hyperactive student are in a form where theta band waves are dominant and beta band waves are less active. That is, the theta wave, which is the frequency of sleep, tends to dominate during waking hours, and due to the low performance of beta waves in normal conditions, the beta wave should be the dominant wave when awake, but in this condition, the number of cells that are active in the beta band is less than usual (lower than normal beta oscillation), in this case, the behavior of a person is the behavior of an inattentive and distracted person. Also, in this case, the person's anger increases.

[0048] Technology disclosed in this document, is able to first return the behavior of the neurons to a normal state and in the second stage after normalization, it empowers. Neurotransmitters that are responsible for the transmission of nerve current sometimes cannot perform their task properly in the device disclosed in this document, first the speed of transmission of nerve current reaches the normal stage, then in the second stage, the said device creates the coordination and order of the neurotransmitters to return to the axon for the next transmission, which actually happens in this phase of empowerment

[0049] In a person's state of anxiety, it is able to dominate the alpha waves in the back of the patient's brain, in which the person reaches real peace. Now, in order to make these normal states last in the brain, a person should use this technology between 30 and 45 treatment sessions to create a permanent state.

[0050] For example, delta waves power or emission decrease throughout a person's life, so that more than 70% of the brain waves of infants are composed of the delta oscillation wave band, and the dominance of delta waves continues until the age of 5. Delta waves decrease after the age of five until they are completely removed from the brain waves around the age of 75 usually.

[0051] Women's brains emit more delta waves than men's. The production or transmission of delta band(waves) is more observed in the right hemisphere, in patients who have had a partial or complete hemispherectomy due to diseases such as epilepsy, this directional dominance changes.

[0052] The device disclosed in this document is able to induce the appropriate pattern of the waves of the expected functions in a soft and effective mode to the brain so that in a healthy and effective way (exactly matching the waves produced by the brain). As a result, it has a positive effect on concentration, removing distractions, improving sleep disorders, improving anxiety, improving depression and hyperactivity, slowing down the process of wrinkles in women's faces, and mood disorders.

[0053] The device consists of a cover or an upper body (10), a number of bases (50), a lower body (20), and an on and off button (40). The lower body (20) is connected to the upper body (10) with at least two screws (21 ). The body has the ability to pass the waves emitted from the coil with a small loss. It is possible to paint the body in different colors. [0054] The first antenna(64) is placed on the head of the person and the second antenna is placed around the cover(10) from the inside( not shown). In one embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the first antenna is 2 cm and the diameter of the second antenna is 21 cm.

[0055] Parts or bases(22) are where the circuit is connected to the body. When the circuit is placed on these bases(22), it is connected to the body with a screw.

[0056] The electronic and controller circuit of the device is designed and built based on frequency-matching technology with brain waves. The important point in the design of this board is the programming of algorithms that exactly match the brain and can act with high precision to stimulate a frequency band. The device has the ability to select four protocols. As shown in Fig. 5, the display components of device are, a socket(30) that connects to the electronic and control circuit, a socket body(31 ), socket wires(32), a displayer (33), the dis[layer electronic board (34).

[0057] As shown in Fig.6 the piece (51 ) which is laid under the bottom part(20) is connected with the head(52) to the lower body as the bases of the device.

[0058] The other parts and components of the device comprise a coil body(61 ), wire coils(62), and a coil plug(63) which, unlike other coils, this coil has no core and has three outputs. The useful range of these coils is from 0.1 to 60 cm.

[0059] Other elements of the electronic part of the device are a membrane pad(41 ), a start and stop button or On and Off button (42), a change mode button (43), a launch button (44), flat cables(45) and membrane sockets(46).

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, the block diagram of the control and electronic parts of the device are the power supply block of the device through which electricity is provided for the operation of the device. The electrode or special coil block which contains the electrodes is installed on the patient's head or body in two ways and transmits electromagnetic signals to the head cortex.

[0061 ] Booster block which in this block, the incoming electrical signals are amplified by the amplifier to become strong enough to be transmitted to other parts of the device.

[0062] Pulse generator block: [0063] This block produces electrical pulses that are used as stimulation signals for the brain.

[0064] Controller:(Microcontroller)

[0065] This block performs the controls of the device and controls the operation of the device.

[0066] Display block:

[0067] This block is a display that provides information about the status and operation of the device to the user.

[0068] The DC voltage is entered into the circuit by a special adapter and the desired signal is produced with the frequency calculated in the microcontroller. Then this signal is amplified in the transistors and goes to the circuit to prepare for release. The desired wave is transmitted from the power transistor to the output coil and then sends by a special coil to the target area and changes the behavior of the neurons in that area.

[0069] This equipment, without being connected to the head with a wire or any type of device such as an electrode, is capable of creating electrical stimulation by sending electromagnetic waves from a distance of up to 60 cm, stimulating the surface of the brain cortex, and making the desired waves prevail in the brain. As a result, it creates a state of calmness and concentration. By placing the user on a chair (close to the device) for 18 minutes, as a result of this action, the amount of alpha and theta of the brain prevails, and as a result, the person can experience relaxation.

[0070] After connecting the device to the electricity, the on/off button is pressed. When the device is turned on, the display of the start of work will appear, and at the same time, the device will announce its start of work with a sound. After a few moments, for example one second, a phrase to determine the mode and start the device will be lit for a few moments

[0071] Then the first mode of the device, with the expression 1 =Anxiety, under which the expression "Operation Is Off" appears, in this state, the device is ready to receive commands from the user. If the user wants to use the anxiety mode, he/she press the Start key once, and the phrase "Operation Is Off" change to the "Operation Is On" and at the same time the device makes a voice notification. Now, for a specific period of time, for example, 21 minutes, the device operated on the brain that slows down the prefrontal neurons.

[0072] After the passage of time, for example, around 21 minutes, the device will make a sound notification again and at the same time a notification as "Operation Is Off "will appear. After completing this step, the next function for example, the depression mode can be selected, and then the user presses the START key.

[0073] Audio or video notifications or text notifications and warning signs displayed on the screen are only samples to describe how the product works and can be changed according to its application and user needs.

[0074] The main advantages of this product are:

[0075] Creation of long-term potentiation in the post-synaptic cell is associated with the change of dendritic spine shape and also changes the post-synaptic density from 25 to 50 nm. Most available TMS devices focus on frequency and do not consider interruptions. Temporal analysis of the signal created by this device, especially intervals smaller than 20ms in magnetic stimulation, changes the synaptic space.

[0076] Since the shape of the dendritic spine is effective in its electrical properties, the synaptic learning process, especially its delay in signal transmission, determines the frequency created in the neuron.

[0077] The main advantage of this device, which belongs to the TMS family, is the very low field intensity and its very high effectiveness. Almost similar devices that can do the treatment process usually have a field intensity of 1 .5 to 3 million pT, compared to those devices, this equipment creates a field intensity of 20 to 149.6 pT, which is 20 g to the TMS family. Also, this invention is able to change the plasticity process of the synaptic space, while other devices of the TMS family are not able to do this (their mechanism of action is to discharge cells with very high voltage.)