Methods and systems for providing stimuli to the brain
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11701487-B2
Publication Date
2023-07-18
Expiration Date
2036-11-23
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Abstract
A method of providing sensory stimulation to a user is described. The method includes alternating sensory stimulation between a first sensory stimulation including simultaneously providing a left visual stimulus pattern to a left eye and a right auditory stimulus pattern to the right side of a head and a second sensory stimulation including simultaneously providing a right visual stimulus pattern to a right eye and a left auditory stimulus pattern to the left side of the head. The first sensory stimulation and the second sensory stimulation each include a first stimulus pattern having a first pulse frequency, a second stimulus pattern having a second pulse frequency less than the first pulse frequency, and a third stimulus pattern having a third pulse frequency less than the second pulse frequency. One of the first pulse frequency, the second pulse frequency, or the third pulse frequency is between approximately 6 Hz and 9 Hz.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods and systems for providing sensory stimulation to a user in order to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and/or to provide performance enhancement. The method involves alternating sensory stimulation between two patterns: one with a left visual stimulus pattern to the left eye coupled with a right auditory stimulus pattern to the right side of the head, and another with a right visual stimulus pattern to the right eye coupled with a left auditory stimulus pattern to the left side of the head. Each sensory stimulation includes three stimulus patterns having progressively lower pulse frequencies, with one pulse frequency between approximately 6 Hz and 9 Hz.
The invention further includes an apparatus with a head-worn frame housing left and right light sources and left and right auditory sources, controlled by a controller programmed to alternate input signals that generate simultaneous left visual and right auditory stimuli and right visual and left auditory stimuli. The stimulation patterns follow pulse frequencies as described above. The invention also covers methods of treating neurological diseases or conditions, or providing performance enhancement, by using such alternating sensory stimulus via a headset worn by the user.
The problem being solved addresses the limitations of existing sensory stimulation therapies for neurological disorders and performance enhancement. Prior approaches such as binaural beats and combined auditory-visual stimuli have been limited due to bulky, expensive equipment that is difficult to use in common environments like bedrooms or airplanes, and that often fall below critical efficacy thresholds to benefit wide populations. Pharmaceutical treatments have drawbacks including expense, reliance on patient compliance, prescription requirements, limited efficacy, and undesirable side effects. This invention seeks to provide improved, accessible methods and systems for treating neurological disorders and enhancing performance that overcome these challenges.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering a method of providing sensory stimulation, an apparatus to provide stimulation, and a method for treating neurological diseases or for performance enhancement. Each claim emphasizes coordinated alternating sensory stimulation with defined pulse frequencies and wavelengths.
Alternating sensory stimulation with coordinated visual and auditory patterns
A method involving alternating between a first sensory stimulation simultaneously providing a left visual stimulus to the left eye and a right auditory stimulus to the right side of the head, and a second sensory stimulation simultaneously providing a right visual stimulus to the right eye and a left auditory stimulus to the left side of the head. Each stimulation includes first, second, and third stimulus patterns with descending pulse frequencies where the first is approximately between 6 Hz and 9 Hz, and one of the others is between approximately 1.25 Hz and 4.25 Hz.
Apparatus with head-worn frame and controller for alternating visual and auditory stimuli
An apparatus comprising a frame configured to be worn on a user's head, left and right light sources, left and right auditory sources, and a controller programmed to generate inputs alternating between a first input producing left visual and right auditory stimulus patterns and a second input producing right visual and left auditory stimulus patterns. Each input includes three stimulus patterns with pulse frequencies matching the ranges specified in the method claim.
Method of treating neurological disease or condition or providing performance enhancement
A method involving providing a headset for a user and delivering alternating sensory stimulation between a first pattern of left visual and right auditory stimuli and a second pattern of right visual and left auditory stimuli, wherein each includes three stimulus patterns with pulse frequencies as described. The method is for treatment of neurological diseases or conditions or for enhancing performance.
The independent claims establish a framework for coordinated alternating sensory stimulation using visual and auditory patterns at specified pulse frequencies delivered via a wearable device, defining both the method and the apparatus, and their use in treating neurological disorders or providing performance enhancement.
Stated Advantages
Provides improved therapeutic benefits over single-modality sensory stimulation by concurrently providing two or more of auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli.
Forces communication between left and right sides of the brain by alternating stimuli between sides, potentially helping to alleviate conditions such as PTSD by wiring memories more evenly across the brain.
Offers an accessible, wearable, and user-friendly system overcoming the bulk, expense, and usability limitations of prior sensory stimulation equipment.
Non-pharmaceutical approach avoiding side effects, prescription requirements, and compliance issues common with drug treatments.
The stimulation patterns and apparatus have demonstrated effectiveness in inducing sleep, enhancing neuroplasticity, improving motor skills and reaction times, and treating neurological disorders including PTSD, brain injuries, and insomnia.
Documented Applications
Treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), brain injury due to oxygen deprivation (e.g., strokes), depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, and balance disorders.
Performance enhancement applications including improving neuroplasticity, motor skills, coordination, reaction times, alertness, energy, working memory, mood, and feelings of wellbeing.
Treatment of chronic pain, seizure frequency and severity in photosensitive epilepsy, concussion recovery, and improvement of fine motor skills for professionals such as surgeons, bomb disposal personnel, and athletes.
Inducing sleep and improving sleep patterning and circadian rhythm adjustment, including use by endurance athletes and crews requiring optimized safety drills.
Enhancement of real-world task performance such as marksmanship, driving endurance and speed, and sports performance.
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