"Nuerogen: EEG and Near-Infared Stimulation Control System" by Michael Kreienkamp and Olivia McConaghy

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2024

Departments

Electrical and Computer Engineering; Bioengineering

First Advisor

Julia Scott

Second Advisor

Andy Wolfe

Third Advisor

Sally Wood

Abstract

People suffering from neurodegenerative diseases need a viable option to help slow the progression of their symptoms and improve remaining cognitive function because brain problems can greatly limit basic body function such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function which steadily declines quality of life. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is an experimental treatment that has shown promise in helping slow or stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

This year, we were able to extend the preliminary exploratory work of the senior design groups from the past two years and build upon it to make a more flexible and reliable research device for studying how different variables such as frequency, duty cycle, and light stimulation pattern affect the results of transcranial photobiomodulation on the brain. We redesigned the LED boards and simplified the equipment on the headworn device by eliminating fans, heat sinks, and excessive wiring and boards. Our focus was centered around the implementation of 850 and 1070 nanometer (nm) near-infrared (NIR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) on boards placed around the inside of the device to study the effects of stimulation through electroencephologram (EEG) readings.

For future research purposes, a closed loop system would be an ideal solution, however, we need to understand how tPBM works and affects the human brain at a low level before a control system can be defined. This year, our focus was to create a system that could accurately and effectively measure the brain's response to stimulation and create a tool that could inform future groups on how to proceed with the implementation of a closed loop system.

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