U.S. patent application number 16/783404 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for methods and systems for controlling body parts and devices using ipsilateral motor cortex and motor related cortex.
The applicant listed for this patent is Washington University. Invention is credited to Nicholas R. Anderson, Kimberly Kreines, Eric Claude Leuthardt.
Application Number | 20200188139 16/783404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41400940 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200188139/US20200188139A1-20200618-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200188139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leuthardt; Eric Claude ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING BODY PARTS AND DEVICES USING
IPSILATERAL MOTOR CORTEX AND MOTOR RELATED CORTEX
Abstract
A system for controlling a body part includes a number of
sensing devices that sense signals from a hemisphere of a brain. A
signal translating unit translates the signals into a command
signal for controlling the body part, which is on a same side of
the body as the hemisphere of the brain. A prosthetic device
receives the command signal from the signal translating unit and
manipulates the body part in response to the command signal.
Inventors: |
Leuthardt; Eric Claude; (St.
Louis, MO) ; Kreines; Kimberly; (St. Louis, MO)
; Anderson; Nicholas R.; (Iowa City, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Washington University |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41400940 |
Appl. No.: |
16/783404 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15644201 |
Jul 7, 2017 |
10596014 |
|
|
16783404 |
|
|
|
|
14291603 |
May 30, 2014 |
9730816 |
|
|
15644201 |
|
|
|
|
12133919 |
Jun 5, 2008 |
|
|
|
14291603 |
|
|
|
|
60933433 |
Jun 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/36003 20130101;
A61B 5/4076 20130101; A61N 1/36025 20130101; A61F 2002/7615
20130101; A61F 2002/6872 20130101; A61F 2/72 20130101; A61F
2002/482 20130101; A61F 2/042 20130101; A61N 1/36082 20130101; A61B
5/04001 20130101; A61F 2/50 20130101; A61B 5/4836 20130101; A61B
5/0036 20180801; A61F 2002/704 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/72 20060101
A61F002/72; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/04 20060101
A61B005/04; A61F 2/04 20060101 A61F002/04; A61F 2/50 20060101
A61F002/50 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a body part, comprising the steps of:
sensing a plurality of signals from a hemisphere of a brain;
translating the sensed signals into a command signal for
controlling the body part, which is on a same side of the body as
the hemisphere of the brain; and manipulating the body part in
response to the command signal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality signals is selected
from the group consisting of electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals,
electroencephalography (EEG) signals, local field potentials,
single neuron signals, (MEG) magnetoencephalography signals, mu
rhythm signals, beta rhythm signals, low gamma rhythm signals, and
high gamma rhythm signals.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ECoG, EEG, local field
potentials, and MEG signals include at least one of mu rhythm
signals, beta rhythm signals, low gamma rhythm signals, and high
gamma rhythm signals.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of signals is
sensed from one of the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex,
the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the
occipital lobe of the brain.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the command signal is
communicated to one of a robotic device, a transportation device,
and a prosthetic control device.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the prosthetic control device is
an external robotic assist device.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the prosthetic control device
utilizes at least one of external nerve and muscle stimulators.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the prosthetic control device
utilizes at least one of internally implanted nerve and muscle
stimulators.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the prosthetic control device is
a prosthetic limb for an amputee.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the prosthetic control device is
utilized for one of hand control, arm control, leg control, foot
control, and bladder control.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the body part is motor-impaired
due to one of a unilateral stroke, a spinal cord injury, a
neuromuscular disorder, a traumatic brain injury, a limb
amputation, and peripheral nerve injury.
12. A system for controlling a body part comprising: a plurality of
sensing devices that sense signals from a hemisphere of a brain; a
signal translating unit that translates the sensed signals into a
command signal for controlling the body part, which is on a same
side of the body as the hemisphere of the brain; and a device that
receives the command signal from the signal unit and manipulates
the body part in response to the command signal.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality signals is
selected from the group consisting of electrocorticographic (ECoG)
signals, electroencephalography (EEG) signals, local field
potentials, single neuron signals, (MEG) magnetoencephalography
signals, mu rhythm signals, beta rhythm signals, low gamma rhythm
signals, and high gamma rhythm signals.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein ECoG, EEG, local field
potentials, and MEG signals include at least one of mu rhythm
signals, beta rhythm signals, low gamma rhythm signals, low gamma
rhythm signals, and high gamma rhythm signals.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of signals is
sensed from one of the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex,
the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the
occipital lobe of the brain.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the command signal is
communicated to one of a robotic device, a transportation device,
and a prosthetic control device.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the prosthetic control device
is an external robotic assist device.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the prosthetic control device
utilizes at least one of external nerve and muscle stimulators.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the prosthetic control device
utilizes at least one of internally implanted nerve and muscle
stimulators.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the prosthetic control device
is a prosthetic limb for an amputee.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation application claiming
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/644,201 filed on
Jul. 7, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/291,603 filed on May 30, 2014, which claims the benefit
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/133,919 filed on Jun. 5,
2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/933,433, filed on Jun. 5, 2007. Each of these applications is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, generally, to
neuroprosthetics and, more particularly, to methods and systems for
controlling body parts and devices using ipsilateral motor cortex
and motor related cortex.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In normal brain function, one side of the brain (a
hemisphere) controls the opposite side of the body. Thus, the right
brain (right cerebral hemisphere) controls the left side of the
body and the left brain (left cerebral hemisphere) controls the
right side of the body. As such, when an individual has a stroke on
one side of the brain, the opposite side of the body is typically
left paralyzed or weak.
[0004] This opposite side control of the body by the brain has
dictated how conventional brain computer interfaces have been
designed. Conventional methods and systems have used brain control
devices that use signals from the brain that correlate with
contralateral arm movements (i.e., decoding signals from the brain
that control the arm and hand on the opposite side of the body) to
control an external object such as a robotic arm. These methods
have not used signals taken from a cerebral hemisphere (i.e., left)
and used ipsilateral movements (i.e., left) as a signal for overt
control.
[0005] Financial cost of lifetime care for U.S. subjects suffering
from hemispheric stroke is typically prohibitive. Hemiparesis is
one of the most common reasons for their disability, and it is
often hand function that is impaired. Motor cortex ipsilateral
control to the affected limb is thought to play a role in recovery,
yet its role in controlling ipsilateral limb movement
conventionally has not been well understood. Functional studies in
both normal and stroke-recovered subjects have demonstrated regions
of activation with ipsilateral hand movements that are distinct
from those motor sites associated with contralateral hand
movements. Conversely, some groups have found ipsilateral
activation not to correlate, or worse, to be indicative of poorer
outcome in hemiparetic patients or subjects. The conventional
techniques used in these studies, however, possess limitations of
either spatial or temporal resolution, prohibiting a more
definitive understanding of cortical processing of ipsilateral hand
movements.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to remedy the problems noted
above and others previously experienced for using signals taken
from the same side of the brain (ipsilateral) which correspond to
movements from the same side of the body and to achieve an overt
device control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is
achieved by methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent
with the present invention, which provide neuroprosthetic controls
of both sides of the body by using a single brain hemisphere.
[0008] In accordance with methods consistent with the present
invention, a method for controlling a body part is provided. The
method comprises: sensing a plurality of signals from a hemisphere
of a brain; translating the sensed signals into a command signal
for controlling the body part, which is on a same side of the body
as the hemisphere of the brain; and manipulating the body part in
response to the command signal.
[0009] In accordance with systems consistent with the present
invention, a system for controlling a body part is provided. The
system comprises: a plurality of sensing devices that sense signals
from a hemisphere of a brain; a signal translating unit that
translates the sensed signals into a command signal for controlling
the body part, which is on a same side of the body as the
hemisphere of the brain; and a device that receives the command
signal from the signal unit and manipulates the body part in
response to the command signal.
[0010] In accordance with articles of manufacture consistent with
the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium
containing a computer program adapted to cause a data processing
system to execute a method for controlling a body part. The method
comprises: sensing a plurality of signals from a hemisphere of a
brain; translating the sensed signals into a command signal for
controlling the body part, which is on a same side of the body as
the hemisphere of the brain; and manipulating the body part in
response to the command signal. The computer-readable medium may
be, for example, a computer-readable storage medium such as a
solid-state memory, magnetic memory such as a magnetic disk,
optical memory such as an optical disk, or a computer-readable
transmission medium, such as a modulated wave (such as radio
frequency, audio frequency or optical frequency modulated waves) or
a modulated downloadable bit stream that can be received by a
computer via a wired or a wireless connection.
[0011] Other features of the invention will become apparent to one
with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an
implementation of the present invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
data processing system that includes an electrocorticographic
hemispheric brain computer interface (BCI) used for bisomatic
control in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of an electrode grid used
on a subject for collecting cerebral signals in accordance with the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates the electrode grid of FIG. 2A placed
over the sensorimotor cortex of the subject's head in accordance
with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2C illustrates the subject connected to the BCI of FIG.
1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an
electrocorticographic (ECoG) BCI system in accordance with the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3A illustrates two bar histograms in which a number of
electrodes sensing significant cortical activity are plotted
against frequency for ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements
in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a pie chart illustrating the number of anatomic
locations that show significant changes in activity for ipsilateral
and contralateral hand movements in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4A shows images illustrating finger movements
distinguished by differential cortical locations and frequency
power alterations in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a table illustrating the number of identified
fingers for a couple of subjects for both ipsilateral and
contralateral motor actions in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5A shows a bar histogram that illustrates peak times of
signal correlation with the active condition averaged across three
subjects in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5B shows two graphs that data comparing the timing of
the earliest significant electrode for contralateral movement and
for ipsilateral movement for a subject in accordance with the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows graphs illustrating activations superimposed on
stereotactic brains of two subjects and the spectra associated with
those activation sites in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 7A shows hemispheric differences in motor processing
between statistically significant electrode sites associated with
ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements summated across four
subjects in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7B is a bar histogram illustrating a number of
electrodes for high-frequency and low-frequency bands and their
significance with respect to ipsilateral or contralateral hand
movements in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating a comparison of accuracy of
controls achieved from signals derived from ipsilateral and
contralateral motor movements in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 9A is a graph illustrating performance curves that
demonstrate the ability of three subjects to utilize signals from
sensorimotor cortex associated with ipsilateral and contralateral
hand movements to control a cursor on a computer screen in
accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9B is a graph illustrating tuning curves that
demonstrate that for on-going controls the level of correlation
between the control feature and the respective correct target in
accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows two images that illustrate mapped activations
when a subject performs contralateral and ipsilateral movements to
move the left hand and the right hand, respectively, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0031] and
[0032] FIG. 11 shows two images that illustrate mapped activations
when a subject performs contralateral and ipsilateral movements to
control a cursor on a screen using brain signals alone in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to an implementation
consistent with the present invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following
description to refer to the same or like parts. As would be
understood to one of ordinary skill in the art, certain components
or elements are not shown in the figures or specifically noted
herein to avoid obscuring the invention.
[0034] Conventional brain computer interfaces (BCIs) have typically
offered minimal benefit to subjects with motor impairment due to,
for example, unilateral stroke because conventional platforms or
systems rely on signals derived from the contralateral motor
cortex, which is the same region injured by the stroke or other
impairment. For a BCI to assist a hemiparetic subject, the
unaffected cortex ipsilateral to the affected limb (opposite the
side of the stroke) needs to be utilized. The affected limb or body
part may be motor-impaired due to, for example, a unilateral
stroke, a spinal cord injury, a neuromuscular disorder, a traumatic
brain injury, a limb amputation, and peripheral nerve injury. To do
so, an expanded understanding of how motor cortex participates in
processing ipsilateral limb movements is essential.
[0035] Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with
the present invention provide an implantable BCI that can control,
for example, a paretic hand for the subject with a motor
impairment, such as a unilateral stroke, by utilizing the cortical
signals from the unaffected hemisphere. This is achieved by
identifying distinct and independent electrophysiological features
from, for example, the motor cortex associated with ipsilateral
hand movements and utilizing these features for external device
control and defining dynamic changes with ongoing performance. The
cortical electrophysiologic changes associated with ipsilateral
movements, such as hand movements, are distinct and these unique
ipsilateral changes can support an independent thought-driven
device control. The cortical signals may be sensed, for example,
from one or more of the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex,
the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and
occipital lobe of the brain, and the like.
[0036] The cortical signals may be obtained from one or more of
electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals, electroencephalography (EEG)
signals, local field potentials, single neuron signals, (MEG)
magnetoencephalography signals, mu rhythm signals, beta rhythm
signals, low gamma rhythm signals, high gamma rhythm signals, and
the like. The ECoG, EEG, local field potentials, and MEG signals
may include at least one of the following: mu rhythm signals, beta
rhythm signals, low gamma rhythm signals, and high gamma rhythm
signals. The signal data is converted into the frequency domain and
spectral changes are identified with regards to frequency,
location, and timing. Features specific to ipsilateral motor
control, such as hand movements, may be utilized to control a
device, such as a cursor on a screen in real time (both in
isolation and in parallel with contralateral hand tasks). This
approach is innovative because it may capitalize on the high signal
resolution of ECoG, for example, to reveal aspects of cortical
motor processing not appreciable by noninvasive means.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that depicts an embodiment of a
data processing system 102 consistent with the present invention.
The data processing system 102 includes a computing unit 104
configured to receive sensor data or signals, translate or convert
the received data, and communicate the translated data to control a
device (not shown). The controlled device may be any type of device
that can be controlled by an external signal, such as but not
limited to a robotic device, a transportation device, a prosthetic
control device, and the like. In an illustrative example, the
prosthetic control device may be an external robotic assist device.
The prosthetic control device may utilize, for example, one or more
of external nerve stimulators, external muscle stimulators,
internally implanted nerve stimulators, and internally implanted
muscle stimulators. The prosthetic control device may be utilized,
for example, for hand controls, arm controls, leg controls, foot
controls, bladder controls, and the like. In an illustrative
example, the prosthetic control device may be a prosthetic limb for
an amputee.
[0038] Computing unit 104 comprises a central processing unit (CPU)
106, an input output I/O unit 108, a display device 110, a
secondary storage device 112, and a memory 114. Computing unit 104
may further comprise standard input devices such as a keyboard, a
mouse, a digitizer, or a speech processing unit (each not
illustrated).
[0039] In the illustrative example, computing unit 104 communicates
via a network 130, such as a LAN or the Internet, with a remote
computing unit 140. Remote computing unit 140 provides remote
storage for computing unit 104. The number of computing units and
the network configuration shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrative.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the data
processing system 102 may include a different number of computers
and networks.
[0040] Memory 114 includes a program 120 having instructions for
receiving sensor data, and converting the received data into
controlling data to control a device 150, such as a prosthetic
device. Sensor data can be received from a variety of sources. In
the illustrative example, sensor data is received from ECoG sensors
160, the prosthetic device 150, data gloves 162, a joystick 164,
and a microphone 166. These devices are merely illustrative.
Additional or alternative devices may be implemented. Data may be
received via data interface devices 124, 126, 128, and 129 and
stored in a file 122 in the secondary storage 112. In an
embodiment, the data interface devices comprise Guger Technologies
optically isolated g.USBamp amplifiers, or the like. AdTech medical
splitter cables are used, for example, to connect to clinical
monitoring cables.
[0041] The data gloves (1 right and 1 left) are, for example, 5DT
14 Ultra Data gloves. These gloves interface with the computing
unit 104 via USB connections and allow for direct measurements of
finger movements to be recorded and used in data processing. These
illustrative gloves have the capability to measure finger flexion
(2 sensors per finger) as well as finger abduction. This
information can be used to determine the timing of actual movements
as well as their duration and velocity. These gloves are made of
stretch Lycra that is well tolerated by users or subjects and
configured to fit many hand sizes.
[0042] The illustrative computing unit 104 is, for example, a Dell
Precision 690 with Quad Core Intel Xeon Processor X5355 (2.66 GHz,
4 MB RAM, 300 GB storage). Further, the illustrative computer may
be a mobile data collection computing unit that may be moved to or
with the subject.
[0043] The remote computing unit 140 is, for example, a Dell
PowerEdge 2950 server (Quad Core Intel Xeon E5345, 2.33 GHz, 1333
MHz, 16 GB RAM, 1.5 TB Hard Drive with a Dell/EMC SAN Disk
Enclosure). This computer set-up can provide storage of large
quantities of data. An average subject may easily generate 100
gigabytes of data.
[0044] The illustrative data interfaces are, for example, Guger
technologies g.USBamp Amplifiers. These FDA-approved amplifiers are
optically isolated amplifiers that are approved for use with
invasively monitored subjects. The optical isolation prevents
electrical discharge from being passed from the computer system 102
to the subjects or users. Additionally, these amplifiers are
compatible with BC1200 software. Each amplifier is capable of
recording 16 channels (i.e., 16 invasively placed electrodes).
[0045] Forty percent of all stroke sufferers are left with a
permanent hemiparesis; most commonly, this involves an acute
decrement in hand function that shows some recovery for several
months. The undamaged hemisphere that is ipsilateral to the
affected limb is thought to play a role in this stroke recovery.
Relatedly, functional imaging studies have demonstrated that motor
cortex is involved in ipsilateral hand and limb movements in both
normal and stroke-recovered human subjects. Recent studies suggest
that sites associated with ipsilateral motor movements are
anatomically and temporally distinct from the locations and timing
associated with contralateral limb movements.
[0046] There are electrophysiologic features that distinguish and
encode cortical processing for ipsilateral and contralateral
movement, such as hand movements. One strategy in stroke
rehabilitation is to aid the ipsilateral cortex to take over
function of the damaged contralateral hemisphere. Methods, systems,
and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention
accomplishing this through the use of the system's brain computer
interface (BCI) that converts brain signals directly to machine
device commands without the need for the brain's normal output
pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles.
[0047] In another embodiment, the data processing system 102 is
implemented as an implantable brain computer interface (BCI) that
can control, for example, a paretic hand for a subject with
unilateral stroke by utilizing the cortical signals ipsilateral to
the affected limb (i.e., signals taken from the surface of the
unaffected hemisphere). The BCI uses the cortical
electrophysiologic changes associated with ipsilateral hand
movements that are distinct and these unique ipsilateral changes
support independent thought-driven device control.
[0048] Ipsilateral hand and finger movements, for example, produce
electrocorticographic changes that have distinct cortical
locations, are earlier in temporal onset, and associated with lower
frequency spectral alterations when compared against contralateral
hand movements. Localization of this effect is different between
the right and left hemisphere. The unique spatial and spectral
electrophysiologic features associated with ipsilateral hand
movements can be effectively utilized by a human subject to control
an external device in accordance with the present invention. This
is accomplished in isolation (ipsilateral hand movement alone), or
in parallel with the physiologic operation of the contralateral
limb. With ongoing control, these brain signals will demonstrate
dynamic plasticity to improve performance.
[0049] The signals, such as ECoG signals, associated with
ipsilateral movements, such as hand movements, have anatomically
distinct regions, occur earlier, and show lower frequency
predominance when compared to contralateral body part movements.
These distinct signal features may be utilized, for example, to
achieve control of an external device, such as a cursor on a
computer screen.
[0050] The processing system 102 is configured to capitalize on the
unique spatial, temporal, and signal advantages of the signals,
such as ECoG, to reveal aspects of cortical motor processing not
possible by noninvasive approaches. These distinct features are
separable from the physiologic changes associated with
contralateral movements and can be utilized for external device
control. These results provide a substantive positive impact in
that they provide neuroprosthetic strategies to ameliorate motor
impairment, such as stroke-induced hemiparesis. This alters
conventional perceptions of stroke recovery from one of watchful
rehabilitation to a more directed approach of restoring
function.
[0051] In an illustrative example, electrical activity taken
directly from the surface of the brain, or ECoG, provides a
beneficial source for integrated information that leads to a
significant paradigm shift in understanding brain function compared
to conventional approaches. ECoG has a desirable signal-to-noise
ratio, millisecond timescales, millimeter spatial resolution, and a
broad frequency bandwidth that in combination are not available
with other techniques. Through experimentation, the inventors have
identified that ECoG is effective as a signal in motor brain
mapping, neuroprosthetic applications, and its ability to convey
very specific information regarding motor intentions.
[0052] The BCI consistent with the present invention does not
depend on the brain's normal output pathways of peripheral nerves
and muscles. The illustrative BCI decodes human intent from brain
activity alone in order to create an alternate communication and
control channel for people with motor impairments.
[0053] This brain-derived control is predicated on an understanding
of cortical physiology as it pertains to motor function. Research
has determined that neurons in the motor cortex show directional
tuning and, when taken as a population, can predict direction and
speed of arm movements in monkey models. Subsequently, these
findings were translated to substantial levels of brain-derived
control in monkey models and preliminary human clinical trials. In
another example of analyzing electroencephalography (EEG), changes
in amplitudes in sensorimotor rhythms associated with motor
movement were described. As a result, these EEG signals have been
used to achieve basic levels of control in humans with amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury.
[0054] However, these conventional approaches do not assist
subjects suffering from hemispheric stroke. The conventional
methods are based on functioning motor cortex capable of
controlling the contralateral limbs. This situation does not exist
in unilateral stroke. For a BCI to assist a hemiparetic subject,
the implant must utilize unaffected cortex ipsilateral to the
affected limb (opposite the side of the stroke). To do so, an
understanding of how the motor cortex participates in processing
ipsilateral arm and hand movements must be used.
Conventional Approaches and Research
[0055] The notion that motor cortex plays a role in ipsilateral
body movements was determined when 15% of corticospinal neurons did
not decussate in cats. Further studies in single neuron recordings
in monkey models extended this understanding to include ipsilateral
hand and finger function. For example, some studies demonstrated
that a small percentage of primary motor cortical neurons showed
increased activity with ipsilateral hand movements. This primary
motor cortical site was found to be anatomically distinct from
contralateral hand sites and, when stimulated, produced ipsilateral
hand movements. Additionally, a larger subset of premotor neurons
was found to demonstrate more robust activations with cues to
initiate movement during both ipsilateral and contralateral
movements than with primary motor sites.
[0056] Additional findings demonstrated that in motor and
supplemental motor cortex there was single neuronal activity
associated with bilateral movements that was distinct from
unimanual movements. These findings led to the conclusion that
motor and motor-associated cortex share in control of both
contralateral and ipsilateral limb and hand movements.
[0057] The evidence cited above has led to further investigation in
humans. Clinical studies have demonstrated that injury to motor
cortex still has functional impact on the ipsilateral "unaffected"
limb. Imaging studies with functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon
emission computed tomography (SPECT), have further confirmed in
normal human subjects that various levels of ipsilateral motor and
motor-associated cortex are active with ipsilateral hand movements.
Other findings have extended this concept by showing these regions
to be anatomically distinct; located anterior, ventral, and lateral
to the activations induced by contralateral hand movements.
[0058] Additionally, this activation appears to be more closely
associated with hand movements that are more complex or lengthy in
sequence duration. The hemispheric distribution has also been found
to be asymmetric, favoring the left hemisphere in righthanded
subjects. These findings of distinct anatomic position, association
with increased manual complexity, and hemispheric dominance in
normal human subjects have been further corroborated by
magnetoencephalography (MEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation
(TMS).
[0059] The manner that motor cortex is involved with ipsilateral
motor movements in humans, however, has not been well defined;
moreover, the extant literature has conflicting findings. Utilizing
fMRI, it was determined that the time course analysis of complex
ipsilateral finger movements support the premise that primary motor
cortex may participate in execution of complex movements rather
than their planning. This, however, is in contradiction to findings
which demonstrated ipsilateral premotor areas having MEG dipole
peak latencies that significantly preceded contralateral M1
sensorimotor cortex in performing unilateral finger movements.
These findings were posited to support more of a motor planning
role in ipsilateral finger actions. Still another and opposite
perspective reported decreased fMRI bold signals in ipsilateral
motor cortex with unilateral hand movements. This negative of
baseline change intensified with increased duration of movement.
The authors postulated this to represent transcallosal inhibition.
To date, it has not been conventionally resolved whether these
changing activations found on functional imaging or MEG represent
motor planning, motor execution, or epiphenomenon related to
transcallosal inhibition.
[0060] Definitive electrophysiologic studies in humans to parse out
the role that motor cortex plays in ipsilateral hand movements and
to define the manner in which it is physiologically encoded have
been limited. This is due either to the limitations of the modality
or of the study design. To date, the majority of conventional
electrophysiologic studies of human brain function have utilized
EEG. Brain activity has been assessed by either alterations in
field potentials or by the spectral changes of oscillating brain
activity (AKA sensorimotor rhythms). Ipsilateral hand movements
have been shown to induce alteration in cortical potentials prior
to movement; this is referred to as "premotor positivity." Spectral
analyses of EEG signals have demonstrated bilateral low frequency
responses with various finger and hand movements. Additionally, a
more robust activation in left over right sensorimotor cortex in
preparation and performance of simple finger movements was
determined. The EEG modality, however, is limited by poor spatial
resolution (3 cm) and by spectral bandwidth (frequencies under 40
Hz). This ultimately limits the precision with which it can
describe the anatomy and signal characteristics of the cortical
electrophysiology underlying ipsilateral motor processing.
Ipsilateral Control of Devices
[0061] Unlike conventional approaches, methods, systems, and
articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention
provide neuroprosthetic controls of both sides of the body by using
a single brain hemisphere. A plurality of signals is sensed from a
hemisphere of the brain. In an illustrative example,
Electrocorticography (ECoG), or signal recorded from the surface of
the brain is employed. The ECoG signal is much more robust compared
to EEG signal: its magnitude is typically five times larger, its
spatial resolution as it relates to independent signals is much
greater (0.125 versus 3.0 cm for EEG), and its frequency bandwidth
is significantly higher (0-500 Hz versus 0-40 Hz for EEG). When
analyzed on a functional level, different frequency bandwidths
carry highly specific and anatomically focal information about
cortical processing. The lower frequencies bands known as mu
frequencies (8-12 Hz) and beta frequencies (18-26 Hz) may be
produced by thalamocortical circuits and often decrease in
amplitude in association with actual or imagined movements. Higher
frequencies (>30 Hz), or gamma rhythms, may be produced by
smaller cortical assemblies and may be associated with numerous
aspects of speech and motor function. No conventional studies or
systems have utilized these ECoG spectral features to analyze
cortical processing of ipsilateral movements.
[0062] The same advantages in spatial and signal resolution that
make the use of electrocorticography a superb method for brain
mapping also confer similar advantages for neuroprosthetic
application. In experiments, the present inventors have
demonstrated the first use of ECoG in closed-loop control in
one-dimensional and two-dimensional controls. Both were
accomplished with minimal training requirements. Additional
experiments demonstrated that specific frequency alterations encode
very specific information about motor actions (e.g., direction of
joystick movement). The present inventors further demonstrated that
ECoG control using signals from the epidural space was also
possible. Taken together, these studies show the ECoG signal to
carry a high level of specific cortical information, and these
signals can allow a user to gain control rapidly and
effectively.
[0063] Thus, the inventors have demonstrated that the cortical
electrophysiologic changes associated with ipsilateral movements,
such as hand movements, are distinct and that these unique
ipsilateral changes can support independent thought-driven device
control. Through experimentation, the inventors arrived at these
demonstrations building on initial studies that showed the
following individual understandings: (1) there are distinct
premotor anterior/lateral anatomic locations found in both animal
models and in human functional imaging studies associated with
ipsilateral hand and finger movements, (2) there is earlier
temporal onset of brain signal alteration measured by the "premotor
positivity" in EEG/ECoG and the anterior localized dipole moments
measured with MEG when compared to signals elicited by
contralateral hand movements, (3) there is a bilateral
representation of mu and beta rhythms with both real and imagined
motor movements measured with EEG and ECoG, and (4) the high level
of motor information and rapid and effective control that can be
derived from the ECoG signal.
[0064] Methods and systems consistent with the present invention
satisfy the substantial need to integrate the anatomic, temporal,
and signal aspects of the cortical physiology involved with
processing ipsilateral hand movements and provide a utility for BCI
application. This integration is accomplished through the use of
electrocorticography, for example. This allows for a BCI that
achieves "bisomatic" control--a neuroprosthetic that can enable a
single hemisphere to facilitate control of both sides of the
body.
Preliminary Studies
[0065] Through research, it has been determined that for both
ipsilateral gross hand movements and finer hand movements (i.e.,
finger movements) there are distinct anatomic sites of cortical
activity that are more highly represented in the lower frequencies.
These findings underscore the high fidelity of ECoG at discerning
information from cortex (from gross hand movements to individual
finger movements) but also are important when considering the type
of hand prosthetic that may be used. Ipsilateral activity occurs
earlier than activity associated with contralateral movements.
These separable timescales support a more motor planning role and
further distinguish ipsilateral and contralateral processing. The
low frequency spectra associated with ipsilateral movements conveys
specific information about the given motor movement. A different
anatomic localization exists between the right and left hemisphere
for ipsilateral motor processing. Beyond demonstrating that a
distinct ipsilateral cortical motor physiology exists, these
features may be utilized to achieve independent real-time device
control in time scales that make this approach feasible for
translational application. To utilize brain signals unique to
ipsilateral hand movements for device control and to define dynamic
changes with ongoing performance, it has been demonstrated that a
subset of subjects achieved control of a computer cursor using
signals derived from overt ipsilateral hand movements, and that
improvement in performance are associated with ongoing changes in
brain signal. These findings show human subjects gaining control
substantially rapidly and, through ongoing feedback, they may alter
their brain signals to optimize device performance.
[0066] The subjects in this study were six subjects (ages 11-50
years) with intractable epilepsy who underwent temporary placement
of intracranial electrode arrays to localize seizure foci prior to
surgical resection. They included three men (Subjects 1, 2, and 3)
and three women (Subjects 4, 5, and 6). All subjects had normal
levels of cognitive function. Two subjects had right hemispheric
8.times.8 grid electrodes, two subjects had left hemispheric
8.times.8 grid electrodes, and two had bihemispheric strip
electrodes (1.times.8 electrode array). Each subject studied was in
a sitting position (semirecumbent), approximately 75 cm from a
video screen (setup shown in FIG. 1). In all experiments, ECoG was
recorded from up to 64 electrodes from a combination of grids and
strips using the general purpose BCI system BC12000 (Schalk, 2004).
All electrodes were referenced to an inactive intracranial
electrode, amplified, bandpass filtered (0.15-500 Hz), digitized at
1200 Hz, and stored. The amount of data obtained varied from
subject to subject and depended on the subject's physical state and
willingness to continue. The subjects performed various hand,
finger, and joystick tasks with their right and left hands
(described below). The time-series ECoG data was converted into the
frequency domain using an autoregressive model. Spectral amplitudes
were calculated between 0 and 200 Hz in 2-Hz bins. Those electrodes
and frequency bins with the most significant task-related amplitude
changes (i.e., the highest values of r2) were identified. In a
subset of subjects (3), closed-loop BCI experiments were attempted
with the subject receiving online feedback that consisted of
one-dimensional vertical cursor movement controlled by ECoG
features that had shown correlation with tasks during the various
screening procedures.
[0067] FIGS. 2A-D show the illustrative system used during the
preliminary study. FIG. 2A shows the 64-electrode grid that is
8.times.8 cm in size. FIG. 2B shows an intraoperative picture of
the grid placed over sensorimotor cortex. FIG. 2C shows a picture
of the subject involved in the BCI operation. Notable elements are
the feedback screen in front of the subject (*) and the BCI
computer (**). FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of ECoG BCI System.
Once the subject had the subdural grid surgically implanted for
purposes of seizure monitoring, the ECoG signal was routed to the
computer. This signal was then sent to the network for which the
signal tracings may be viewed for clinical purposes. For the
purpose of BCI operation, the signal is split directly from the
subject (A). This signal is then sent to the BCI computer, where
the raw signal was analyzed, stored, and used for online control.
In this example, the device command is controlling the movement of
a cursor on the feedback screen.
[0068] Ipsilateral hand and finger movements, for example, produce
electrocorticographic changes that have distinct cortical
locations, are earlier in temporal onset, and associated with lower
frequency spectral alterations when compared against contralateral
hand movements. Localization of this effect is different between
the right and left hemisphere.
[0069] All subjects performed an ipsilateral and contralateral hand
motor task. This consisted of the subject participating for a
minimum of six minutes performing repetitive three-second hand
tasks consisting of opening and closing the right or left hand on
cue. Each hand task was interspersed by a rest period of equal
time. The time series ECoG data was converted into the frequency
domain and each hand action was compared against rest. All subjects
showed distinct electrodes sites and frequency spectra that
distinguished between the ipsilateral and contralateral hand
movement. As can be seen from the data shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,
ipsilateral hand movements produced spectral power changes that are
lower in frequency when compared against contralateral hand
movements and have anatomically distinct sites not present with
contralateral hand movements.
[0070] FIG. 3A illustrates two bar histograms in which the number
of electrodes demonstrating significant cortical activity (spectral
power changes with p-value <0.001) are plotted against frequency
for ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements. Ipsilateral hand
movements are predominantly represented in lower frequencies
(average 32.8 Hz, SD+-14.4) compared to the higher frequency
distribution associated with contralateral hand movements (average
106.7 Hz, SD+-20.8). FIG. 3B compares the number of anatomic
locations that showed significant changes in activity (electrodes
that show spectral power changes with p-values <0.001) for
ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements. The pie chart shows
there are an equal number of cortical locations which are distinct
to ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements (eight sites each).
Additionally, there are four sites that demonstrate an overlap. In
these sites ipsilateral and contralateral movements demonstrate
different average frequency spectra (ipsilateral movements 23.6 Hz,
SD+-5.8 and contralateral movements 93.5 Hz, SD+1-24).
Collectively, this data exhibits that there are distinct frequency
spectra and cortical sites that distinguish ipsilateral hand
movements from contralateral hand movements.
[0071] FIG. 3A shows that the number of electrodes that show
significant power change (p-value <0.001) at a given frequency
for ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements across all
subjects with intracranial grid arrays. Ipsilateral hand movements
are represented in a lower frequency range than that associated
with contralateral hand movements.
[0072] FIG. 3B illustrates the number of locations identified with
statistically significant power change (across all frequencies)
that correlated with ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements.
The number of sites that showed significant activity with
ipsilateral hand movements (8) are in Area a, with contralateral
hand movements (8) are in Area b, and locations that shared with
both ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements (4) are noted in
Area c. This data shows that there are sites for ipsilateral motor
movements that are distinct from contralateral hand movements.
[0073] These figures represent data taken from all the subjects
with intracranial grid arrays (Subjects 1 2, 3, and 6). The
subjects performed three-second hand tasks consisting of opening
and closing the right hand or the left hand on cue. Each hand task
was interspersed by a rest period of equal time. The timeseries
ECoG data was converted into the frequency domain using an
autoregressive model in which each hand action was compared against
rest. For each electrode, the amplitude changes at each 5 Hz
frequency bin were correlated with each hand task by measuring the
coefficient of determination values, or r2. An r2 value greater
than 0.07 which has a p-value <0.001 is considered significant.
Those electrodes found to be statistically significant were then
plotted against frequency and also identified with regard to
whether they were significant with ipsilateral or contralateral
hand movements alone or in combination.
Distinguishing Individual Ipsilateral Finger Movements
[0074] To further define the level of resolution that
electrocorticography can distinguish in the finer aspects of
ipsilateral hand processing, namely individual finger movements,
Subjects 1 and 2 were engaged to perform individual finger tasks
consisting of tapping each individual finger on cue. The
time-series ECoG data was converted into the frequency domain for
each finger movement and was compared against rest. From the
results shown in the table of FIG. 4B, ipsilateral finger movements
were considered to be separable by the site of cortical activity
and by the associated frequency bands that show significant power
changes with finger movement. Additionally, for each subject the
same finger of either hand could also be distinguished. Data from
Subject 1 is shown in FIG. 4A, in which four feature plots are
shown for contralateral index and middle finger movement (top row)
and ipsilateral index and middle finger movement (bottom row). In
each feature plot, frequency is plotted against anatomic location
(electrode site). The shade change indicates the correlation of
power change that occurs at that frequency bin with the active task
when compared against rest (measured in r2). The figure illustrates
that the index and middle fingers are separable by the distinct
location and frequency power change for both the ipsilateral and
contralateral conditions. Additionally, ipsilateral fingers can not
only be separated from the other complementary finger, but from all
other fingers. Also of note, the ipsilateral finger movements, when
compared to their contralateral finger, have a significant portion
of their unique spectral features in the lower frequencies (below
30 Hz). In this pilot study, 8 of 10 fingers were distinguished for
the two subjects tested. This data is summarized in FIG. 4B. These
findings demonstrate that the methodology is able to achieve a high
level of resolution in distinguishing finer motor movements not
discernable with other noninvasive modalities in humans. Moreover,
the data processing system 102 is able to determine that the
signals associated with ipsilateral motor movements reflect
specific manual actions (e.g., finger movement) rather than just
representing broad non-specific changes.
[0075] The table in FIG. 4B is a summary of the data taken from
Subjects 1 and 2, who participated in cue initiated individual
finger movements. In both subjects, eight of ten fingers were
separable for a given hand and from all fingers from either hand.
Ipsilateral and contralateral finger movements which demonstrated
significant power changes (p<0.001) were identified (third
column). For a given hand, the significant electrode location
patterns were compared to identify if those location patterns
matched with another finger movement induced electrode location
pattern (ipsilateral index finger showed significant changes in
electrodes 6, 7, 10, 11, and 13 versus ipsilateral middle finger,
which showed electrode activation in electrodes 1, 7, 13, and 14).
If they did not, they were considered separable for the given hand.
The number of fingers separable for the ipsilateral and
contralateral hand is shown in the fourth column. The electrode
location patterns were then compared between hands (e.g.,
ipsilateral index finger versus all other nine fingers). If the
given finger did not match any electrode location pattern of
another finger, it was considered separable. The number of fingers
separable from all other fingers is shown in the fifth column.
[0076] FIG. 4A shows the distinguishing finger movements by
differential cortical locations and frequency power alterations.
The data shows that index finger and middle finger movements
demonstrate distinct locations (electrode, y axis) and frequency
bands (x-axis) associated with the given finger, as indicated by
circled areas in FIG. 4A. This is demonstrated for both ipsilateral
and contralateral finger movements. The same finger movement is
different depending on whether it is ipsilateral or contralateral.
Additionally, ipsilateral finger movements have a more predominant
lower frequency representation than their same contralateral finger
movements. FIG. 4A represents data taken from Subject 1. Subject 1
performed three-second finger tasks consisting of tapping each
individual finger on cue. The finger tasks were interspersed by a
rest period of equal time. The time-series ECoG data was converted
into the frequency domain using an autoregressive model in which
each finger activity was compared against rest. The electrodes were
plotted against the frequency measured in 5 Hz Bins. The color was
scaled by the relative level of correlation that amplitude change
occurred with the respective finger task (measured by coefficient
of determination values, or r2). An r2 value greater than 0.07
represents a p-value that is less than 0.001. The left column
represents index finger movements; the right column represents
middle finger movements. The top row indicates that these movements
were contralateral, and the bottom row indicates that these
movements were ipsilateral.
Cortical Activity Occurs Earlier with Ipsilateral Hand
Movements
[0077] To further define the unique aspects of ipsilateral motor
processing, three subjects (1, 3, and 6) performed cue-directed
hand-controlled joystick center-out tasks with both the right hand
and left hand. This arrangement allowed to precisely determine the
timing of cue presentation, motor movement, and associated spectra
changes. From the results shown in FIG. 5, the inventors concluded
that ipsilateral hand movements are associated with earlier changes
in the lower frequency spectra than with contralateral hand
movements. FIG. 5A presents a bar histogram that shows the peak
time of signal correlation with the active condition (time of cue
presentation/movement against rest) averaged across the three
subjects. Ipsilateral movements preceded similar changes with
contralateral movements on average by 160 ms. FIG. 5B shows data
from Subject 6 comparing the timing of the earliest significant
electrode (activity vs. rest which had a p-value less than 0.001)
for contralateral movement and for ipsilateral movement (electrode
located over Brodman's area 9 BA9, which is part of the frontal
cortex in the human brain). The dotted line indicates the average
time of initiation of movement onset. Here one can see that
ipsilateral cortical activity precedes movement while contralateral
activity is after movement has begun. This activity is primarily in
spectral changes below 30 Hz. This again demonstrates that
significant power alteration occurs prior to contralateral hand
movement and that this occurs in frequencies less than 30 Hz. These
findings further demonstrate that both ipsilateral and
contralateral motor processing occur on different time scales and
support the notion that motor cortex is involved in a more motor
planning role for ipsilateral hand movements.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, ipsilateral hand movements
produce earlier changes than contralateral movements. In FIG. 5A,
the peak of signal correlation with the movement of a hand-operated
joystick was averaged for three subjects (1, 3, and 6). Ipsilateral
hand movement preceded contralateral hand movement by 160 msec. In
FIG. 5B, the data shows the progression of power alteration in
frequencies between 0.5 HZ to 60 Hz for a significantly active
electrode in Subject 6. The top figure is the significant power
alteration associated with contralateral hand movement; the bottom
figure shows the power change over time for ipsilateral hand
movement. Time zero is the cue for which Subject 6 was instructed
to initiate movement with the joystick. The dotted line is the
initiation of movement. This data demonstrates that ipsilateral
movements induce low frequency changes that precedes onset of
movement and spectral changes associated with contralateral hand
movements (which occur at the onset and during movement).
[0079] With data taken from Subjects 1, 3, and 6, those electrodes
that demonstrated a statistically significant (p-values less than
0.001) power change when movement was compared to rest were
included. The time period of 1000 ms after cue was presented was
evaluated. The time of peak correlation of signal (at any
frequency) with the active condition (measured with r2) was
determined. FIG. 5B, in which bars represent standard deviation,
illustrates data taken from an electrode over BA9 from Subject 6.
Subject 6 performed a hand-controlled joystick task in which she
would direct a cursor to a target on the periphery of the screen.
This was performed using both the right hand and left hand. The
time-series ECoG data was converted into the frequency domain using
an autoregressive model. The spectrum was averaged for 1000 ms
after cue for movement was presented. The correlation of power
change for the respective frequency band was measured by the
coefficient of determination, or r2 (r2 greater than 0.07
represents a p-value greater than 0.001, only significant spectral
change shown). The dotted line represents the initiation of
movement averaged from 80 trials.
Low-Frequency Spectra Encode Specific Motor Information
[0080] During experimentation, a hand-controlled force-feedback
joystick task was utilized to further define the extent that the
low frequencies associated with ipsilateral movements carry
specific motor information. The task included a center-out task
where the subject would direct and then hold (against force) the
joystick-controlled cursor at fixed positions on targets at the
periphery of the screen. The time-series ECoG data was converted
into the frequency domain for the entire joystick task. The time
that the cursor was held at upper and lower target positions was
compared. Based on the results shown in FIG. 6, information
specific to ipsilateral positional movements is more highly
represented in low-frequency spectra than are contralateral
movements. Additionally, the brain sites where processing occurs
are distinct between ipsilateral and contralateral movements.
[0081] FIG. 6 shows the data from two subjects (Subject 2 and
Subject 6). The top row of FIG. 6 shows the sites (activations
superimposed on a stereotactic brain) and the significant spectra
(p greater than 0.001) associated with those activation sites
(adjacent bar histograms). The top row shows the sites associated
with up/down motor positioning when the contralateral hand is
utilized. The activation sites are very similar in location between
Subjects 2 and 6 in premotor cortex. The bottom row of FIG. 6 shows
the sites associated with up/down motor positioning when the
ipsilateral hand is utilized. Here the locations are inferior and
anterior to the sites associated with contralateral hand control.
The adjacent bar histograms show the number of electrodes found to
be significantly correlated in differentiating position for the
respective 10 Hz frequency bin. When the contralateral frequency
distributions (top row) are compared to the ipsilateral frequency
distributions (bottom row), there is an increased representation of
lower frequencies that are either not present with contralateral
movements (Subject 6) or at frequency bands distinct from those
seen in contralateral processing (Subject 2). These findings
demonstrate that the lower-frequency spectra convey significant
information about specific ipsilateral motor actions. Additionally,
they show that the sites associated with ipsilateral and
contralateral motor processing are distinct.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, ipsilateral and contralateral motor
processing occurs at anatomically distinct sites with increased
lower frequency encoding for ipsilateral movements. The data shows
the significant locations on the brain where brain activity has
been localized when the up position of a hand-controlled joystick
is compared against the down position. The adjacent bar graph plots
the number of electrodes with frequency bands that have significant
correlation in distinguishing between the up and down position
(p-value greater than 0.001). For both Subjects 2 and 6 the
location for contralateral processing is similar. The sites for
ipsilateral processing are inferior. The frequencies associated
with ipsilateral hand processing favor the lower frequencies, which
are either not present with contralateral processing or at
different bands. The figure represents data taken from Subjects 2
and 6. The subjects performed center-out joystick movements in
which they would hold the cursor on the target for a fixed period
of time. The time-series ECoG data from the period that they held
the cursor at the top position and the bottom position was
converted into the frequency domain using an autoregressive model
and were compared against each other. The level of correlation of
the signal oscillation for the up position (versus down) was
measured by the coefficient of determination values, or r2. The
data was summated across electrodes by placing a Gaussian kernel
(diameter 5 mm) that was centered on the stereotactic coordinate of
each electrode (derived from radiographs). The maximum of the
kernel was determined by the respective r2 derived earlier and
centered at the electrode locus. This allowed locations of
correlation to be plotted into stereotactically derived spaced and
summated. The adjacent bar graph is the number of electrodes
plotted against 10 Hz frequency bins that showed significant
correlation (p-value greater than 0.001).
Hemispheric Differences in Motor Processing
[0083] To define differences that may exist between hemispheres in
contralateral and ipsilateral motor processing, data was summated
from four Subjects (1, 2, 3, and 6) with homologously placed-grid
arrays (two right-sided grids and two left-sided grids) onto a
single stereotactic brain. Each of these subjects participated in
right-hand and left-hand tasks. This consisted of the subject
performing a minimum of six minutes of repetitive three-second hand
tasks consisting of opening and closing the right hand or left hand
on cue. Two specific frequency bands were analyzed: a low-frequency
band (8-32 Hz) and a high-frequency band (75-100 Hz). Those
electrode sites that showed spectral alteration in the high or low
frequency band with a p-value greater than 0.001 were considered
significant and plotted on the standardized brain. The results of
this analysis are presented in FIG. 7B.
[0084] The electrodes that were significant (in either high or low
frequency) and associated with ipsilateral hand movements are noted
with circles and those associated with contralateral hand
movements, with squares. The bar histogram shows the number of
significant electrodes for the high-frequency and low-frequency
band and whether they were significant with ipsilateral or
contralateral hand movement. FIG. 7A illustrates that there is a
different spatial distribution for motor movements on the right
hemisphere and left hemisphere. The right hemisphere motor actions
are more inferior to those of the left hemisphere. Additionally,
ipsilateral movements have higher a proportion of significant
electrodes associated with lower frequencies than contralateral
movements (which are more highly represented in the higher
frequencies). These findings show that the different hemispheres
have a distinct localization for ipsilateral motor processing and
further confirm the low-frequency representation of ipsilateral
hand movements.
[0085] FIGS. 7A and 7B show hemispheric differences in motor
processing. In FIG. 7A, the data show the statistically significant
electrode sites associated with ipsilateral (circles) and
contralateral hand (squares) movements summated across four
subjects (2 right/2 left) with subdural grid electrodes arrays.
These anatomic differences are different for the given hemisphere
in that right-side ipsilateral sites area more inferior than
left-sided ipsilateral sites. This data supports that there are
hemispheric differences in the cortical localization of ipsilateral
hand movements. In FIG. 7B, the bar histogram shows the number of
significant electrodes for the high-frequency and low-frequency
bands and whether they were significant with ipsilateral or
contralateral hand movement. The electrodes found to be significant
with ipsilateral movement are more highly represented in the
low-frequency band (8-32 Hz), while those found to be significant
with contralateral movement were in the high-frequency band (75-100
Hz).
[0086] Data was taken from the four subjects who had hemispheric
subdural grids placed (Subjects 1, 2, 3, and 6). Each subject
performed a three-second hand task (opening and closing either
right hand or left hand) interspersed by a rest period of equal
time. All recorded ECoG data sets were referenced with respect to
the common average. The time-series ECoG data was converted into
the frequency domain using an autoregressive model. For this plot,
low and high frequency bands were chosen (8-32 Hz and 75-100 Hz,
respectively). Those electrodes with 0.75 or greater of the r2
maxima (p-value greater than 0.001) were considered significant.
Radiographs were used to identify the stereotactic coordinates of
each grid electrode (Fox, 1985), and cortical areas were defined
using Talairach's Co-Planar Stereotaxic Atlas of the Human Brain
(Talairach, 1988) and a Talairach transformation database. The
significant electrodes were then plotted to a 3D cortical brain
model from the AFNI SUMA web site.
Utilizing Brain Signals Unique to Ipsilateral Hand Movements for
Device Control and Defining Dynamic Changes with Ongoing
Performance
[0087] The unique spectral and spatial electrophysiologic features
associated with ipsilateral hand movements can be effectively
utilized by a human subject to control an external device. This can
be accomplished in isolation (ipsilateral hand movement alone), or
in parallel with the physiologic operation of the contralateral
limb. With ongoing control, these brain signals will demonstrate
dynamic plasticity to improve performance.
Achieving Online Control of a Cursor with Ipsilateral and
Contralateral Hand-Derived ECoG Signals.
[0088] To determine whether signals associated with ipsilateral
hand movements could be utilized, three of the six subjects (1, 5,
and 6) who performed hand screening tasks (as described above) also
were tested in a real-time online task to use features associated
with either ipsilateral or contralateral overt hand movements to
control a cursor on a computer screen. The subjects received online
feedback that consisted of one-dimensional vertical cursor movement
controlled by ECoG features that had showed correlation with either
the ipsilateral or contralateral hand movements during open-loop
screening. The goal of the task was to hit one of two specified
targets. Each subject achieved closed loop control twice, once
using a contralateral hand task and a second time using an
ipsilateral hand task. Based on the data presented in FIG. 9 and
the table in FIG. 8, signals derived from ipsilateral motor
movements can achieve high levels of control with final target
accuracies between 70-96%.
[0089] This control is optimized when distinct locations and
low-frequency spectra associated with ipsilateral movements are
utilized, which was established in these three subjects by testing
three different control scenarios: [0090] 1) Ipsilateral features
used for control were different from contralateral features in both
location and frequency spectra (Subject 1), [0091] 2) Ipsilateral
features were in the same location using a high-frequency band (100
Hz) that overlapped for both ipsilateral and contralateral control
(Subject 5), and [0092] 3) Ipsilateral features in same location
but using different frequency spectra (ipsilateral--20 Hz,
contralateral--100 Hz).
[0093] When low-frequency spectra was used for scenarios 1 and 3
(performance curves 1 and 3), high levels of control were achieved
with ipsilateral hand movements (91% and 96% accuracies). In
scenario 2 (performance curves 2), when overlapping high-frequency
spectra (100 Hz) was used, the performance with ipsilateral hand
movements was the worst with 70% target accuracy, while with
contralateral movements a high level of control with 97% accuracy
was still achieved. Scenario 2 (performance curves 2) also
demonstrated the most disparate learning curves showing that high
frequencies are less amenable to ipsilateral derived control than
the lower frequencies. These preliminary findings by the inventors
1) were the first determination that ECoG signal derived from
ipsilateral hand movements can be utilized for device control, and
2) they show that ipsilateral control signals can be differentiated
from contralateral derived control features both in regards to
cortical location and frequency spectra.
[0094] To understand how the change in performance was accounted
for during online control, the change of correlation (as measured
by r2) of the ECoG features, selected for control (specific
frequency from specific electrode) over time, was examined. From
the results shown in FIG. 9B, with ongoing control, the level of
correlation of the control feature to the respective correct target
increases. The progressive increase in correlation reflects the
subject's ability to alter their cortical physiology with ongoing
feedback. These changes occur over minutes and reflect a high level
of cortical plasticity that can be induced by this methodology. The
level of correlation was highest with contralateral tasks utilizing
high frequencies (100 Hz). Correlations of control features with
ipsilateral hand movements were highest when low frequency spectra
(20-25 Hz) were utilized and lowest when high frequency spectra
(100 Hz) were employed. These findings demonstrate the plastic
nature of human cortical physiology in adapting to device control
and emphasize the importance of lower-frequency spectra in their
use for brain computer interface applications associated with
ipsilateral hand processing.
[0095] FIGS. 9A and 9B show utilizing signals associated with
ipsilateral movements for external device control. FIG. 9A
illustrates performance curves. The data indicates the ability of
three subjects to utilize signals from sensorimotor cortex
associated with either ipsilateral or contralateral hand movements
to control a cursor on a computer screen. Each subject is distinct
in what features were chosen to utilize for control: [0096] Subject
1, different locations and different frequency spectra (ipsi--25
Hz, contra 100 Hz) were used; [0097] Subject 5, identical locations
and spectra were utilized (both utilized 100 Hz); [0098] Subject 6,
identical locations were used with different frequency spectra
(ipsi--20 Hz, contra--100 Hz).
[0099] These results demonstrate that optimal control can be
achieved using either distinct locations or distinct frequency
spectra. Performance when high frequency is utilized with
ipsilateral hand movements is not as robust.
[0100] FIG. 9B illustrates tuning curves. The data shows the level
of correlation (as measured by r2) with the respectively chosen
frequency band utilized for control with the respective targets.
Over time all signals showed increased correlation demonstrating
that these signals exhibit plastic changes with ongoing feedback.
The subjects received online feedback that consisted of
one-dimensional vertical cursor movement controlled by ECoG
features that had showed correlation with either the ipsilateral or
contralateral hand movements during open loop screening. For the
ipsilateral limb and the contralateral limb there were three-minute
runs. Each trial began with the appearance of a target that
occupies either the top half or the bottom half of the right edge
of the screen. One second later, the cursor appeared in the middle
of the left edge of the screen and then moved steadily across the
screen over a fixed period of 3.5 cm/sec with its vertical movement
controlled continuously by the subject's ECoG features that were
associated with either ipsilateral or contralateral hand movement.
The subject's goal was to move the cursor vertically to the height
of the target so that it hits the target when it reaches the right
edge. The cursor movement was vertically controlled every 40 ms by
a translation algorithm based on a weighted, linear summation of
the amplitudes in the identified frequency bands from the
identified electrodes for the previous 280 ms.
[0101] These preliminary studies 1) demonstrated that ipsilateral
hand movements are associated with distinct anatomic and temporal
profiles when compared to contralateral hand movements; 2) showed
the cortical physiology associated with ipsilateral hand movements
conveys very specific information about motor actions; 3)
demonstrated that encoding of specific motor movements have a
higher representation in lower frequencies than contralateral hand
movements; 4) provided strong clues to different hemispheric
localization in ipsilateral processing; 5) demonstrated for the
first time that unique features associated with ipsilateral hand
movements can be utilized by a human subject for effective device
control; and 6) found that these control signals show a high level
of plasticity in improving performance.
[0102] FIG. 10 shows two images showing a feature plot where
channel plotted against frequency. The color change is significant
power changes that occurred when the active condition is compared
against rest. The features plot on the left is the activation that
is mapped when the subject who had a left hemispheric grid moved
their right hand. The figure on the right is a features plot of
when the subject with the same left hemispheric grid moved their
left hand. As shown, the location and frequencies are very
different between the two actions. Thus these different signals
potentially can thus be utilized to control the contralateral arm
naturally while using ipsilateral movements (real or imagined) to
control something else in parallel.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows two images showing a feature plot where
channel plotted against frequency. The color change is significant
power changes that occurred when the active condition is compared
against rest. The features plot on the left is the activation that
is mapped when the subject who had a left hemispheric grid moved
their right hand to control a cursor on the screen using brain
signals alone. The figure on the right is a features plot of when
the subject with the same left hemispheric grid moved their left
hand to control a cursor on the screen using brain signals alone.
As shown, the location and frequencies are very different between
the two actions. This result shows that the same hemisphere can be
utilized to accomplish bisomatic control--a single hemisphere can
control both the contra lateral side (as normal) and a device to
facilitate and assist their non functioning side (ranging from
simple computer devices, to robotic exoskeletons, to implanted
electrodes in the body itself).
[0104] Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent
with the present invention could be commercially useful. For
example, if an individual can control both sides of their body with
a single hemisphere this would have enormous implications for
people with hemispheric stroke. Since 72% stroke subjects have
strokes involving a single side of their brain, developing a
technology in which the healthy part of their brain can
functionally compensate for the damaged portion could have
significant impact.
[0105] Stroke is common. It is estimated 700,000 strokes occurred
in the U.S. in 2002, 500,000 being first events and 200,000
recurrent strokes. If rates remain unchanged, it has been predict
that 1,136,000 strokes will occur in the year 2025, associated
mainly with the aging of the population. Though the majority of
strokes occur in adult and elderly populations, it should be
remembered that a significant number of strokes occur in children,
particularly in the perinatal period. Stroke accounts for 1 in
every 15 deaths in the U.S. In the U.S. in 2003, stroke accounted
for approximately 158,000 deaths directly, a figure which rises to
273,000 if deaths in which stroke was a contributory cause are
included. Stroke is also the leading cause of disability in the
U.S. It has been estimated that in 2003 there were 5.5 million
stroke survivors in the U.S. population. The financial burden of
stroke is substantial. It has been estimated that for the U.S., the
direct and indirect cost of stroke in 2006 will be $57.9 billion.
Approximately 72% of stokes involve one side of the brain.
[0106] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are
within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the present
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *