OpenBCI Discovery Program: Exploring AI-Assisted Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Cluster Headache

Hello, my name is Dexter. I’m an independent researcher and developer with a background in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, as well as a lifelong sufferer of cluster headaches. This project, supported by the OpenBCI Discovery Program, aims to explore an innovative approach to aborting acute cluster headache attacks using a novel neurofeedback system to modulate brain activity in real-time. By leveraging the emerging capabilities of artificial intelligence and the precision of OpenBCI’s biosensing technology, I hope to develop a non-invasive, drug-free solution that can provide rapid relief for acute cluster headache attacks.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are a rare neurological disorder characterized by excruciating, one-sided pain typically concentrated around the eye and temple. Often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, cluster headaches are distinct from migraines and are sometimes referred to as “suicide headaches” due to the intensity of the pain. Attacks can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and occur in clusters, often at the same time each day during a cycle. While the exact cause is unknown, the hypothalamus, particularly the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), is believed to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of this condition. The SCN serves as the body’s primary biological clock, regulating our pineal gland and circadian rhythms which influence sleep-wake cycles.

Brainwave Entrainment

Brainwave entrainment is a technique that uses external stimuli, such as pulsing lights or sounds, to synchronize brain activity and influence the brain’s state. This approach is based on the understanding that neural oscillations, or “brainwaves,” play a crucial role in encoding and transferring information within the brain. By aligning these oscillations with external stimuli, it has been shown to be possible to modulate brain activity and induce specific states. Recent research has highlighted the potential of brainwave entrainment to influence cognitive performance and neuroplasticity.

Project Overview

The goal of this project is to develop a system that employs AI-generated visual stimuli to respond to real-time neurofeedback inputs. We plan to train first on pain-free states to establish a baseline for the subject, creating an association between the control and a specific pattern of visual stimuli. We can then begin intervention on subjects in active attack states, applying adversarial feedback in order to ‘nudge’ them back into a pain free state by modulating the stimulus and triggering the subjects entrained ‘muscle memory’. By introducing negative feedback as a mechanism of entrainment, we aim to attenuate the hyperactivation of the SCN and induce states that counteract the overstimulation. The system will synchronize external stimuli with the individual’s internal state to identify and recall these counteractive brain states, potentially halting the progression of acute cluster attacks.

Progress and Timeline

By leveraging AI, neurofeedback, and brainwave entrainment, this research project aims to provide a non-pharmacological alternative for managing acute cluster headache attacks. I hope that my findings will contribute to the development of personalized, technology-driven healthcare solutions for those affected by this debilitating condition.

For more information or to follow our progress, feel free to connect with me:

LinkedIn: Dexter Tortoriello

Twitter: https://twitter.com/planet_nerf

GitHub: https://github.com/hospitaltapes