Patent · US Expired

Determining stimulation levels for transcranial magnetic stimulation

US7104947B2 · kind B2 · utility

122Cited by
24References
48Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 17, 2003
Grant dateSep 12, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 4, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N2/02
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Induced movement in a patient is detected and correlated with a TMS stimulating pulse so as to determine the patient's motor threshold stimulation level. Direct visual or audible feedback is provided to the operator indicating that a valid stimulation has occurred so that the operator may adjust the stimulation accordingly. A search algorithm may be used to direct a convergence to the motor threshold stimulation level with or without operator intervention. A motion detector is used or, alternatively, the motion detector is replaced with a direct motor evoked potential (MEP) measurement device that measures induced neurological voltage and correlates the measured neurological change to the TMS stimulus. Other signals indicative of motor threshold may be detected and correlated to the TMS stimulus pulses. For example, left/right asymmetry changes in a narrow subset of EEG leads placed on the forehead of the patient or fast autonomic responses, such as skin conductivity, modulation of respiration, reflex responses, and the like, may be detected. The appropriate stimulation level for TMS studies are also determined using techniques other than motor cortex motor threshold methods. For e…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.