Using ultrasound and artificial intelligence to assess muscle stretch reflexes
Inventors
Hoppmann, Richard • Kim, Jongyeol
Assignees
Universsity Of South Carolina • University of South Carolina • Texas Tech University TTU
Publication Number
US-11918409-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-05
Expiration Date
2041-08-24
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
The present disclosure provides using ultrasound technology and artificial intelligence to enhance MSR assessment by making the assessment more objective, reproducible, and recordable to allow a more precise and/or personalized approach to the medical practice of individual patients via using multiple ultrasound functions and artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and consistency of assessing reflexes and allowing MSR data to be combined with other patient medical information for improved diagnosis and management of a patient's condition.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for objectively, reproducibly, and recordably assessing muscle stretch reflexes (MSRs) or tendon reflexes in a subject by employing ultrasound technology and artificial intelligence. By utilizing multiple ultrasound functions—including A Mode, B Mode, M Mode, and Doppler Mode—during the elicitation of reflex responses, the system can obtain precise measurements of tendon or muscle dimensions before and during contraction in response to stimuli.
The method addresses the long-standing problem of subjectivity and variability in MSR assessments currently made by practitioners using physical examination with a reflex hammer. Traditional assessments heavily rely on examiner skill, patient characteristics, and subjective interpretation on a non-objective scale. This disclosure enables recording quantifiable and objective data regarding the presence and magnitude of reflex responses, which can be further analyzed via artificial intelligence.
Moreover, the invention allows recorded MSR data to be combined with other neuromuscular assessments—such as peripheral nerve conduction velocities, electromyography, tensiomyography, and magnetic resonance imaging—as well as genetic and additional patient information, to improve diagnosis and management of medical conditions. The system facilitates a more precise and personalized approach to clinical practice by enabling better diagnosis, tracking, and management of conditions affecting the neuromuscular system.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in the patent that encapsulate the core inventive features related to objective tendon reflex assessment using ultrasound and data analysis.
Objective tendon reflex assessment using ultrasound dimension measurement
A method comprising: - Eliciting at least one tendon stretch reflex response in a subject to analyze neurological and muscular components. - Employing at least one ultrasound function to analyze the subject while the tendon stretch reflex occurs, specifically by measuring at least one tendon dimension with ultrasound machine calipers both before and during contraction. - Obtaining tendon stretch reflex data that includes dimension measurements taken prior to and after eliciting the tendon stretch reflex. - Analyzing the tendon stretch reflex data to determine a health condition by comparing the dimension before and during the reflex, and by analyzing activation of at least one stretch receptor, sensory nerve impulse to a spinal cord synapse, and a motor nerve impulse from the spinal cord synapse.
Ultrasound assessment using selectable mode (A, B, M, Doppler) for measuring tendon or muscle dimension and reflex activity
A new method comprising: - Eliciting at least one tendon stretch reflex response in a subject. - Employing an ultrasound device in either A Mode, B Mode, M Mode, or Doppler Mode to analyze the subject during the tendon stretch reflex response. - Obtaining tendon stretch reflex data including dimension measurements with ultrasound machine calipers before and during contraction as a result of the reflex. - Determining a health condition by comparing measurements before and during reflex and analyzing activation of stretch receptors, sensory and motor neural pathways.
In summary, the inventive features focus on using ultrasound-based objective measurement and analysis of tendon reflex responses, including dimension changes and neural pathway assessment, offering enhanced objectivity and reproducibility through various ultrasound modes.
Stated Advantages
Makes muscle stretch reflex (MSR) assessment more objective, reproducible, and recordable, moving away from subjective examiner estimates.
Allows for precise and personalized diagnosis and patient management by combining MSR data with other neuromuscular and medical information.
Provides visual, measurable, and repeatable data for analysis, which can be saved for future reference and is suitable for artificial intelligence analysis.
Enhances clinical, educational, and research value by providing an objective assessment tool for the neuromuscular examination.
Offers a new application for ultrasound systems, improving their utility in patient assessment and expanding their market potential.
Documented Applications
Standard for comprehensive physical examination and neurological examination of muscle stretch reflexes.
Diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases and conditions affecting the neuromuscular system, such as spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, myopathies, stroke, diabetes, hypothyroidism, eclampsia, and herniated disc disease.
Clinical tool for ongoing assessment and management of patients with conditions affecting the MSR.
Educational tool for teaching neuro-muscular physiology, pathophysiology, and physical examination techniques.
Research tool in studying neuro-muscular and other diseases, as well as for developing neuromuscular assessment laboratories.
Interested in licensing this patent?