A Simple fMRI Compatible Robotic Stimulator to Study the Neural Mechanisms of Touch and Pain

Abstract

This paper presents a simple device for the investigation of the human somatosensory system with functional magnetic imaging (fMRI). PC-controlled pneumatic actuation is employed to produce innocuous or noxious mechanical stimulation of the skin. Stimulation patterns are synchronized with fMRI and other relevant physiological measurements like electroencephalographic activity and vital physiological parameters. The system allows adjustable regulation of stimulation parameters and provides consistent patterns of stimulation. A validation experiment demonstrates that the system safely and reliably identifies clusters of functional activity in brain regions involved in the processing of pain. This new device is inexpensive, portable, easy-to-assemble and customizable to suit different experimental requirements. It provides robust and consistent somatosensory stimulation, which is of crucial importance to investigating the mechanisms of pain and its strong connection with the sense of touch.

NeuroSense: A non-invasive and configurable somatosensory stimulator with OPENVIBE communication

“… Type of Stimuli Study Control method Control Variables Description Identation/Tactile [9] Arduino Stimulation pattern and frequency Controls stimulation patterns through an Arduino. [10] Data Acquisition Card and LabView Intensity, duration, and pattern of the stimuli The device is placed on the fingertip and secured with Velcro. A pneumatic projectile moves and stimulates the skin.…”

Carbon nano-structured neural probes show promise for magnetic resonance imaging applications

“…Yet another motivation is to learn about brain function by studying brain region response to various visual, audio and other external stimuli. However, studying brain function would highly benefit from being able to simultaneously measure neural signals and measure non-invasive fMRI hemodynamic response at the same location in the brain [3]. Currently, it is not possible to measure co-located neural signals and fMRI BOLD signals in the brain.…”

Robot‐assistant for MRI‐guided liver ablation: A pilot study

“…18 Consequently, it has been successfully employed for MRI-guided biopsy and intervention on the prostate, 19,20 the breast, 21,22 the spinal cord, 23 and for functional-MRI. 24 While accurate position control is the main challenge associated with pneumatic actuation, high accuracy was achieved with time delay control (TDC) algorithms. 25 The space constraints of closed-bore scanners are particularly limiting for robotic devices operating on the patient's torso.…”