This video describes a prototype of a transcranial magnetic stimulation device designed by Ben Krasnow. He explains:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique to stimulate brain tissue directly through the skull. It works by sending a very high current pulse through a coil that is located on the subject’s scalp. The fast-rising edge of the pulse induces a current in the brain tissue, causing neuron stimulation.
This is Part I of the project in which constructs a butterfly coil and related circuitry. Here’s a link to the datasheet for the SCR he refers to.
In this video Ben demonstrates the actual use of this device. He’s switched to using a single coil rather than the butterfly coil described in the first video. The voltage involved here is ~1700 volts! This qualifies as a “Dangerous Prototype” to us!
Thanks for this videos.
Are there any risk?
When it’s finished will this be added to the shop here and at seeed?
It would be really awesome to be able to have an open source device like this.
Also remembered that some people had achieved the experience of out of body by transcranial brain stimulation. Turns out the neurological circuits that determine where you are can be confused with funny effects as a consequence. I’m wondering how much other things in terms of experiences, feelings and simulation of stuff that happends to someone would be possible.
When I read the usual “Continue reading ->” link for this article, I instinctively filled in “… at your own risk!”
“Although TMS is often regarded as safe, the greatest acute risk of TMS is the rare occurrence of induced seizures and syncope…. Besides seizures, other risks include fainting, minor pains such as headache or local discomfort, minor cognitive changes and psychiatric symptoms (particularly a low risk of mania in depressed patients).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulation#Risks