Biofeedback System for User-Optimized Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Incorporates Physiological Responses with Augmented Reality Simulations to Anticipate the Best Time to Administer Cranial Stimulation

This user-optimized nerve-stimulation therapy recognizes physiological changes in response to augmented reality simulations in order to deliver cranial nerve stimulation at the optimal time, for example, before the onset of anxiety. Nerve stimulation therapy treats neurological disorders, chronic diseases, and pain through electrical manipulation of a variety of cranial nerves. Bioelectric medical technologies have proven successful overall, generating more than $16 billion in 2018. Available cranial nerve stimulation techniques deliver stimuli once the negative condition occurs, only suppressing symptoms after they arise. Because of this, those with common anxiety disorders benefit little from nerve stimulation therapy.

Researchers at the University of Florida have designed a feedback system to improve the timing of nerve stimulation therapy for combatting negative neurological responses. By recognizing physiological indicators, the system delivers nerve stimulation before the anxiety or other disorder manifests. The system optimizes nerve stimulation therapy to extend its applicability to a variety of neurological and psychological disorders, such as anxiety, phobias, depression, epilepsy, and PTSD, or for enhancing the acquisition of new skills.

Application

Biofeedback system for user-optimized cranial nerve stimulation therapy that employs augmented reality scenarios

Advantages

• Anticipates a triggering event before it happens, timing nerve stimulation better to modulate negative responses such as anxiety
• Uses physiological feedback and augmented reality, optimizing stimulation in recreated situations to aid treatment of neurological/psychological disorders
• Improves neuroplasticity training, positively reinforcing acquisition of new skills and supporting practices like guided relaxation

Technology

The biofeedback system accounts for physiological responses as it coordinates stimulations of cranial nerves in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) simulations. In trials, the system optimizes vagus nerve stimulation based on changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmias or other markers of physiological impact. Physiological responses can determine when to administer stimulation techniques in order to modulate the symptoms of PTSD or anxiety, for example, or to facilitate neuroplasticity-based learning. Physiological behavior from preceding sessions along with the particular AR scenario determines stimulation delivery. As patients undergo more sessions, the system optimizes stimulation by learning to anticipate the negative event, in the case of neurological/psychological therapy, or the learning scenario, in the case of reinforcing skill development.