Frequency and Phase Synchronization in Distributed (Implantable-Transcutaneous) Neural Interfaces

Abstract

Synchronized oscillations are a ubiquitous feature of neuronal circuits and can modulate online information transfer and plasticity between brain areas. The disruption of these oscillatory processes is associated with the symptoms of several brain disorders. While conventional therapeutic highfrequency deep brain stimulation can perturb neuronal oscillations, manipulating the timing of oscillatory activity between areas more precisely could provide a more efficient and effective method of modulating these activities. Here we describe a prototype circuit for synchronizing the clocks between an active implantable and an external sensing and stimulation system that could be used to achieve this goal. Our specific focus is on synchronizing the systems for paired-associative stimulation. The ability to repetitively drive two brain regions with a fixed latency has specific implications for neural plasticity. Furthermore, the general concept can be applied for many potential applications involving distributed neural interfaces.

Technology Integration Methods for Bi-directional Brain-computer Interfaces and XR-based Interventions

“…The “DBStim” neurostimulator is a research tool designed to deliver high accuracy, biphasic constant current stimulation pulses to nervous tissue in various combinations of waveform, amplitude, pulse width, and frequency [ 31 ]. DBStim can be used to interface with externalized electrodes or as a transcranial stimulator.…”