Approaching a GHz Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Technique

Abstract

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a well-established technique used to treat neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Epilepsy. By regulating and stimulating neuronal firing in the target regions of the brain, DBS can ameliorate motor control disorders, slow cognitive decline, and prevent seizures. Although the treatment has proved its efficacy, there exists unwelcome surgical and infection risks, due to its invasive nature. Existing non-invasive brain stimulation therapies are not as effective as their invasive counterparts. This is primarily due to the inability to target deep brain regions without stimulating the cortical regions of the brain. Neurons in the brain react to stimulation frequencies lower than 1kHz. Through temporal interference of similar frequencies, the envelope created by the difference of frequencies can be used to target a deep brain region (Grossman et. al, 2017). The aim of this project is to explore the possibility of using GHz frequencies to achieve non-invasive deep brain stimulation. The usage of GHz stimulation frequencies provides an improved selectivity of target region. This would lead to a more accurate stimulation with the potential of fewer side effects than conventional methods. A multiple source stimulation method allows for the movement of the focal spot by variation in phase and amplitude of the stimulation sources. Simulations in ANSYS Electronics Desktop prove the penetrability of GHz frequencies into a four-layer head model using a ring of current sources. Therefore, the simulations provide promising insight into the possibility of a novel non-invasive GHz brain stimulation technique.