Devices and methods for modulating brain activity

Abstract

Devices and methods for brain modulation are provided herein. A device may comprise a body and components for activating the brain. Such components include ultrasound transducers. The devices are used to provide ultrasound waves to brain structures in a subject wearing a device for methods to treat traumatic brain injury, affect postural control, affect wakefulness, attention, and alertness, to provide memory control, to alter cerebrovascular hemodynamics, to minimize stress, and to reinforce behavioral actions.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device, the device comprising:
 a structure configured to fit onto a subject's head;   an array of either or both magnetic transducers or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors;   a plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers coupled to the structure and configured to emit ultrasound energy, wherein each phased array ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged piezoelectric active regions; and   a controller configured to sense brain activity from the array of magnetic transducers or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors and to coordinate application of ultrasound to one or more brain regions using the plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the controller comprises a local microprocessor configured to modulate one or more of an ultrasound waveform and a frequency, intensity or waveform characteristic to adjust the ultrasound being delivered based on sensed brain activity. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising a magnetoencephalography (MEG) or an electroencephalography (EEG) sensor adapted to detect specific thalamocortical oscillations. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising controls configured to allow a user to control the device. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the phased array ultrasonic transducers are configured to provide a predominantly non-thermal mechanism of action. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the phased array ultrasonic transducers are configured to deliver ultrasound energy at a frequency in a range from 0.1 MHz to 1.5 MHz at a target tissue site. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the phased array ultrasonic transducers are configured to deliver ultrasound energy with an intensity in a range of about 10 mW/cm 2  to about 500 mW/cm 2  at a target tissue site. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the phased array ultrasonic transducers are configured to deliver ultrasound energy with a pulse duration in a range from 100 to 10000 microseconds. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the structure comprises a chassis for supporting the phased array ultrasonic transducers a desired position relative to the subject's head. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the structure comprises a helmet. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the structure further comprises a battery for powering the plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the structure further comprises one or more cooling units. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the cooling unit comprises a cooling unit which functions as an ultrasound coupling pad to aid in transmission of ultrasound waves. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising one or more power sources, components for transmitting or receiving data, and components for remote activation of the plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of concentrically arranged piezoelectric active regions comprises a circular array configured to focus an acoustic beam. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of concentrically arranged piezoelectric active regions comprises a plurality of concentric rings that are each divided into quadrants. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising an acoustic hyperlens or an acoustic metamaterial for focusing an acoustic beam. 
     
     
         19 . A device, the device comprising:
 a structure configured to fit onto a subject's head;   an array of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors coupled to the structure;   a plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers coupled to the structure and configured to emit ultrasound energy, wherein each phased array ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged piezoelectric active regions; and   a controller configured to sense brain activity from the array of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors and to coordinate application of ultrasound to one or more brain regions using the plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers.   
     
     
         20 . A device, the device comprising:
 a structure configured to fit onto a subject's head;   an array of magnetic transducers coupled to the structure;   a plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers coupled to the structure and configured to emit ultrasound energy, wherein each phased array ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged piezoelectric active regions; and
 a controller configured to sense brain activity from the array of magnetic transducers and to coordinate application of ultrasound to one or more brain regions using the plurality of phased array ultrasonic transducers.