Systems, devices, and methods for monitoring and analyzing research animal behavior before, during and after brain electrical stimulation
View Patent ↗Described are systems, devices and methods for facilitating the delivery of stimulation to, and the monitoring and recording of physiological signals (e.g., electroencephalographic signals) from a research subject. Devices include a headmount that includes a cranial frame and a headstage, and a connection between the headmount and external equipment used for stimulation, monitoring, and/or recording that is robust physically and electrically to optimize stimulation, monitoring and recording even while the subject remains ambulatory. In some embodiments, a hinged headmount allows the configuration to be easily manipulated during attachment and any subsequent adjustment or reattachment procedures and permits easy access to any wires or other components implanted in the subject. In some embodiments, a flexible cable extends out from the headmount at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane of the headmount, to optimize strain relief as the subject moves about while attached to any stimulation, monitoring and/or recording equipment.
1. A headmount assembly for use with a non-human subject comprising:
a frame comprising a structural support configured to mount on a subject's cranium;
a headstage comprising a channel in a wall thereof, and a hollow interior portion in which at least one circuit board is disposed;
a connection mechanism disposed between the frame and the headstage that is configured to establish a mechanical connection between the frame and the headstage; and
a flexible cable comprising a distal end extending at least partially through the channel of the headstage and a proximal end at the exterior of both the headstage and the frame, the flexible cable further comprising at least one conductive wire extending from the distal end and electrically connected to the circuit board and at least one connector at the proximal end.
2. The headmount assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible cable is secured to the headstage.
3. The headmount assembly of claim 1 wherein the connector at the proximal end of the flexible cable comprises a first connector that is configured to mate with a second connector.
4. The headmount assembly of claim 1 wherein the mechanical connection mechanism comprises a hinge with a removable pin wherein the headstage may be separated from the frame if the pin is removed.
5. The headmount assembly of claim 1 wherein the frame and at least a portion of the headstage are formed from a plastic.
6. The headmount assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one circuit board is provided with elements configured to permit electrical connection with at least one electrode configured for implantation in the subject.
7. The headmount assembly of claim 1 , wherein the headstage comprises a lower surface defining a horizontal plane of the headstage, the channel comprises a longitudinal axis, and the axis is at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the horizontal plane.
8. The headmount assembly of claim 7 , wherein the angle is approximately 45 degrees.
9. The headmount assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the frame and the headstage comprise at least one aperture for receiving an attachment element, the attachment element being independent of the connection mechanism.
10. The headmount assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a lower surface having at least one aperture passing therethrough, the at least one aperture configured to receive a conductive wire passing through the subject's cranium.
11. A system for sensing electrographic signals from a non-human subject and delivering a form of electrical stimulation to the subject comprising:
a headmount comprising:
a frame comprising a structural support configured to mount on a subject's cranium;
a headstage in which at least one circuit board is disposed the headstage comprising at least one surface that is configured to be exposed to a surface of the subject's cranium, and a channel in a wall thereof;
a connection mechanism disposed between the frame and the headstage that is configured to establish a mechanical connection between the frame and the headstage; and
a flexible cable characterized by a proximal end at the exterior of both the headstage and the frame, and a distal end at least partially within the channel of the headstage, the flexible cable electrically connected at its distal end to the at least one circuit board and at its proximal end to at least one connector, the flexible cable configured to establish electrical connectivity between the at least one circuit board and the at least one connector.