Deep Brain Neuromodulation using Temporal Interference Magnetic Stimulation

Introduction

Five out of ten diseases leading to long-term disability are related to the brain, including stroke, depression, or dementia. Despite tremendous progress in neurotechnology, there is still no effective treatment option available for many brain-related disorders.

Current Approaches and Limitations

A very promising approach to treat brain disorders uses transcranial electric or magnetic stimulation (TES/TMS) to directly influence brain activity related to specific symptoms. However, these methods are limited in their:

• Spatial resolution
• Specificity
• Ability to reach deep brain areas

Project Aim

The aim of the proposed project is to develop a technical and experimental proof-of-concept for a new non-invasive tool that allows for millimeter- and millisecond-precise modulation of neural activity in superficial and deep areas of the human brain.

Methodology

Capitalizing on temporal interference effects, the device will apply high carrier frequency magnetic fields through a pair of coils. By modulating their relative phase, the combined fields will induce a locally amplitude-modulated electric field in the brain.

Mechanism of Action

As neural tissue is insensitive to unmodulated high-frequency fields (>1kHz), but responds to low-frequency amplitude-modulated fields, only brain regions will be stimulated where the combined field is amplitude-modulated.

Goals

Building on the resulting versatility of stimulation frequencies and waveforms, we aim at providing proof for:

1. Cell-type specificity of such temporal interference magnetic stimulation (TIMS).
2. The feasibility of targeting neural activity at millisecond-to-millisecond precision.

Expected Impact

The availability of such a device offering high spatial resolution, depth selectivity, steerability, as well as closed-loop compatibility and cell-type specificity would mark a major breakthrough for clinical neuroscience.

Collaboration and Translation

Together with two partners from industry and a partner for technology transfer, we strive for fast translation of expected research results into innovative products.