KR20160051038A - Method and apparatus for estimating olfactory function - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus to evaluate olfactory function to more objectively evaluate an olfactory function and to standardize the olfactory function using the same. Disclosed is a method to evaluate an olfactory function. The method comprises the steps of: simultaneously proceeding the measurement of an electroencephalogram (EEG) of a brain part of an evaluating target along with a time and the generation of a functional magnetic resonance image by giving olfactory stimulation to the evaluating target; and evaluating the evaluating target by comparing the measurement result of the EGG with the generation result of the functional magnetic resonance image based on an olfactory stimulation point. When the apparatus determines that the response of the brain wave is activated after the olfactory stimulation point and cerebral blood flow (CBF) is activated in the functional magnetic resonance image, the evaluating target is evaluated as that the evaluating target has a recognition ability for the olfactory stimulation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for evaluating olfactory function,

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for more objectively evaluating the olfactory function.

Conventionally, a system for measuring the olfactory function is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-0083504 entitled " Olfactory neuron measurement system and its olfactory substance injection apparatus ", Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2012-024422 entitled " "And the like are disclosed.

However, the conventional method of evaluating the olfactory function according to the EEG measurement has a possibility of occurrence of noise according to the condition of the EEG measurement, the movement of the patient during the measurement, etc., and it is difficult to ensure high objectivity because of large individual difference. In addition, even if there is no actual olfactory stimulus, conventional functional MRI (functional-MRI) evaluation method can be applied to a variety of cognitive functions at the time of magnetic resonance imaging Cerebral blood flow was likely to increase, and high objectivity could not be guaranteed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for evaluating an olfactory function which can more objectively evaluate the olfactory function and standardize the olfactory function evaluation method.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical object, the olfactory function evaluating method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a method for evaluating the olfactory function of the subject's brain region by applying the olfactory stimulus to the person to be evaluated, Simultaneously generating an image (fMRI); And evaluating an olfactory function of the evaluation subject by comparing the result of measurement of the EEG with the result of generation of the functional magnetic resonance image on the basis of a time point of the olfactory stimulus, If the response of the brain wave is activated after the stimulation time point and it is determined that the cerebral blood flow is activated in the functional magnetic resonance image, the evaluation subject can be evaluated as having cognitive ability to the olfactory stimulus.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical object, the olfactory function evaluating apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: an EEG measuring unit for measuring an EEG on the brain region of a subject to be evaluated over time; An fMRI photographing unit for generating a functional magnetic resonance image of the brain region simultaneously with the brain wave measurement of the brain wave measuring unit; And a controller for evaluating the olfactory function of the subject to be evaluated by comparing the result of measurement of the brain wave and the result of generation of the functional magnetic resonance image made with the olfactory stimulus to the subject, based on the olfactory stimulation timing, May evaluate that the subject to be evaluated has cognitive ability to the olfactory stimulus when the reaction of the brain waves is activated after the time of the olfactory stimulation and the cerebral blood flow is activated in the functional magnetic resonance image.

According to the above-mentioned task solution of the present invention, since the EEG measurement and the fMRI generation are performed together in time synchronization, the EEG activation and the cerebral blood flow fluctuation can be simultaneously measured at the same position for the same olfactory stimulus, This allows for a more objective and standardized assessment of olfactory function. In addition, it allows the development of appropriate chemosensory stimulation methods more effectively and more easily identifies activation areas and cognitive processes in response to stimuli.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of evaluating the olfactory function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are graphs illustrating an EEG measurement result of a subject in order to explain how to determine whether the EEG response is activated by the olfactory stimulus.
FIG. 3 is a table showing results of measurement of brain waves with olfactory stimulation for 43 persons having normal olfactory functions.
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the results of EEG measurement are three-dimensionally confirmed by applying a Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (ANT) method.
4B is a view illustrating an exemplary functional magnetic resonance image generated through fMRI imaging.
5 is a conceptual diagram of an olfactory function evaluating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram of an olfactory function evaluation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or like parts.

Throughout this specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it is not limited to a case where it is "directly connected" but also includes the case where it is "electrically connected" do.

Throughout this specification, when a member is " on " another member, it includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when there is another member between the two members.

Throughout this specification, when an element is referred to as "including " an element, it is understood that the element may include other elements as well, without departing from the other elements unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "about "," substantially ", etc. used to the extent that they are used throughout the specification are intended to be taken to mean the approximation of the manufacturing and material tolerances inherent in the stated sense, Accurate or absolute numbers are used to help prevent unauthorized exploitation by unauthorized intruders of the referenced disclosure. The word " step (or step) "or" step "used to the extent that it is used throughout the specification does not mean" step for.

Hereinafter, the method of evaluating the olfactory function according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the " method of evaluating the olfactory sense function ") will be described.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of evaluating the olfactory function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present olfactory function evaluation method includes a step (S1) of simultaneously performing EEG measurement and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) generation on the brain region of the subject to be evaluated while applying the olfactory stimulus to the evaluation subject.

In this way, when the brain wave measurement and the fMRI generation are synchronized with each other in time, it is possible to observe and prepare for the same (same time, same time) olfactory stimulation as the activation phase of the brain wave and the activation of the cerebral blood flow, The olfactory function evaluation can be performed, and the olfactory function evaluation technique can be standardized.

Here, electroencephalography (EEG) is a flow of electricity generated when a signal is transmitted between neurons in the nervous system. In addition, the evoked potential refers to the electrical reaction (EEG) of the brain region responsible for these stimuli when a predetermined stimulus is applied to the sensory organs (olfactory, visual, auditory, tactile, etc.) in the body. EEG measurement in the olfactory function evaluation method may mean measuring the olfactory event-related potential (OERP), that is, measuring the potential induced during olfactory stimulation.

For reference, in this olfactory stimulation evaluation method, the components of the olfactory evoked potential can be divided into a negative peak and a positive peak according to the polarity. The negative directional peaks are referred to as N1, N2, and N3 according to the order of occurrence, and the positive directional peaks can also be referred to as P1, P2, and P3 depending on the order in which they occur. According to this, P1, N1, P2, and N2 are the peaks occurring immediately after the olfactory stimulation (the first half of the stimulus).

In addition, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) visualizes the activity of the cranial nerve by visualizing the signal change of magnetic resonance. At this time, the activity of the cranial nerve can be indirectly grasped by changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), or oxygenation. Although the active site on the fMRI does not exactly coincide with the area of activity of the cranial nerves, they are considered to exhibit a fairly close approximation to within a few millimeters of error. In other words, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a method of measuring the degree of functional activation of the brain by repeatedly measuring the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal when the brain is active.

At this time, the active area, in which the cerebral blood flow is determined to be activated in the functional magnetic resonance image, may be set to a region in which at least one of the indicators for the activation of cerebral blood flow such as cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood flow volume, and oxygen intake amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value . Referring to FIG. 4B, regions where the index is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value are displayed in different colors (or brightness). Here, the predetermined reference value may be adjusted by a general practitioner in the field of functional magnetic resonance imaging according to necessity in consideration of the olfactory stimulation condition, the kind of the fragrance, the surrounding conditions, and the like.

In addition, the present olfactory function evaluation method can be statistically processed by performing this S1 step plural times. For example, after performing step S1 a plurality of times, it is analyzed whether overlapping of the first active area caused by EEG activation during the olfactory stimulation to be described later and the second active area changing the cerebral blood flow is performed, 2 Case in which the active areas do not overlap can be excluded when evaluating the olfactory function of step S2.

The present olfactory function evaluation method includes a step (S2) of evaluating the olfactory function of the subject to be evaluated in comparison with the result of measurement of the brain wave and the result of the functional magnetic resonance imaging based on the olfactory stimulation timing (S). In this step S2, when the reaction of the EEG is activated after the olfactory stimulation time (S) and the cerebral blood flow is activated in the functional magnetic resonance imaging, it is evaluated that the person to be evaluated has the cognitive ability to the olfactory stimulus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are graphs illustrating an EEG measurement result of a subject in order to explain how to determine whether the EEG response is activated by the olfactory stimulus.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, step S2 (evaluating the olfactory function) is performed in the second time range T2 of the positive directional peaks of the EEG occurring after the olfactory stimulation time point S It can be judged that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the positive direction peak P2 of the EEG is the maximum value ("First EEG Reaction Activation Judgment Method"). In other words, in the step S2, when the maximum peak in the positive direction of the EEG occurs within the second time range T2 after the olfactory stimulation timing S, it can be judged that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated .

Here, the second time range T2 may be a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms based on the time of the olfactory stimulation S being 0 ms.

2A and 2B, Baseline, which is a criterion for estimating such a positive directional peak P1, has a mean amplitude value of an EEG measured for a predetermined period of time prior to the time point of the nasal stimulation S, Lt; / RTI > For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the mean amplitude value of the EEG measured from -500 ms to 0 ms may be the baseline.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when a positive directional peak P2 having a latency of 490 ms from the olfactory stimulation timing S is generated, a second time range T2 (450 ms To 700 ms) in the positive direction of the EEG. As another example, as shown in Fig. 2B, when a positive directional peak P2 having a latency of 500 ms from the olfactory stimulation timing S is generated, the second time range T2 700 ms), the positive directional peak (P2) of EEG was generated.

For reference, when the peak of each EEG is unclear due to ambient noise during EEG measurement, the ambient noise is removed by low frequency filtering and high frequency filtering, The peak can be more clearly defined.

2A and 2B, in step S2, a negative directional peak N1 of an EEG occurs within a first time range T1 after the nasal stimulation point S, and a negative directional peak N1 It is judged that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the positive directional peak P2 of the EEG occurs within the second time range T2 after the occurrence of the second EEG response Quot;).

Here, the first time range T1 may be a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms based on the olfactory stimulus timing S as 0 ms. Further, the second time range T2 may be a time range of from 450 ms to 700 ms on the basis of the olfactory stimulus time point.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when a negative directional peak N1 having a latency N1 latency of 340 ms from the olfactory stimulus timing S is generated, the first time range T1 (300 ms (N1) of the brain waves in the time interval of 500 ms to 500 ms. Further, when a positive directional peak P2 is generated after having a latency of 490 ms from the olfactory stimulation timing S, the amount of EEG within the second time range T2 (450 ms to 700 ms) The directional peak P2 of the light-emitting layer is generated.

As another example, when a negative directional peak N1 having a latency of 419 ms from the olfactory stimulus timing S is generated, as shown in Fig. 2B, the first time range T1 (300 msec. 500 ms), the negative directional peak (N1) of EEG was generated. In addition, when a positive directional peak P2 is generated after having a latency of 500 ms from the olfactory stimulus S, a positive directional peak P2 is generated in the second time range T2 (450 ms to 700 ms) The directional peak P2 of the light-emitting layer is generated.

The numerical range of each of the second time range T2 and the first time range T1 described below was obtained by measuring the EEG while applying the olfactory stimulus to the persons having the normal olfactory function This is the range of values identified through experimentation or testing, as determined.

In this regard, FIG. 3 is a table showing the results of measurement of brain waves with olfactory stimulation for 43 persons having a normal olfactory function.

Referring to the table of FIG. 3, in the actual test results, the minimum value (MIN) and the maximum value (MAX) of the latency N1 latency until the negative peak N1 occurs are 0.406 ms and 300 ms (T1) of 500 ms to 500 ms. In addition, the minimum value MIN of the latency P2 latency until the positive direction P2 is generated is 0.483 ms, the maximum value MAX is 0.554 ms, and the second time range T2 is 450 ms to 700 ms You can check your membership.

As another example, step S2 may determine that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the amplitude fluctuation amplitude of the EEG exceeds the predetermined amplitude fluctuation value after the time of the olfactory stimulation (S) 3 EEG response activation determination method ").

Here, the magnitude of amplitude fluctuation of the EEG includes a negative peak (N1) of the brain waves appearing within the first time range after the olfactory stimulation time point (S) and a negative peak May be an absolute value (| P2-N1 |) of the difference between the positive peak P2 of the EEG shown in FIG. In other words, the amplitude fluctuation amplitude of the EEG is the interdigital amplitude value between the preceding negative peak N1 and the following positive peak P1.

Here, the first time range T1 may be a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms based on the olfactory stimulus timing S as 0 ms. Further, the second time range T2 may be a time range of from 450 ms to 700 ms on the basis of the olfactory stimulus time point.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an actual test result for each group after the steady state, the amplitude value N1 amplitude of the negative directional peak N1 and the amplitude value P1 amplitude of the positive directional peak P2 The minimum value (MIN) of the absolute value of the difference (| P2-N1 |) is 2.31 占,, and the maximum value (MAX) is 38.23 占..

According to these test results, if the magnitude of amplitude fluctuation (| P2-N1 |) of the EEG of the subject to be evaluated exceeds approximately 2 μV, it can be judged that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated. That is, the predetermined amplitude fluctuation value serving as a criterion for judging whether or not the reaction of the brain waves is activated may be 2 [mu] V.

In addition, the third EEG reaction activation determination method may be organically combined with the first EEG activation determination method or the second EEG activation determination method. For example, when the absolute value (| P2-N1 |) of the difference between the negative peak N1 of the EEG and the positive peak P2 of the EEG is the predetermined amplitude variation value , When the negative directional peak N1 occurs within the first time range T1 and the positive directional peak P1 occurs within the second time range T2, (Judgment reliability) that the stimulus is activated due to the olfactory stimulus.

In addition, the first EEG reaction activation determination method and the second EEG reaction activation determination method may be combined with each other organically. For example, while the negative directional peak N1 occurs within the first time range T1 and the positive directional peak P1 appears within the second time range T2, When the positive directional peak P1 generated in the second time range T2 is the maximum value among the plurality of positive directional planes P1 to be generated thereafter, (Judgment reliability) can be set higher.

In addition, the first EEG activation determination method, the second EEG activation determination method, and the third EEG activation determination method may be combined in the EEG activation determination.

2A and 2B, a baseline, which is a criterion for calculating the negative directional peak N1 and the positive directional distance P1, is obtained before the olfactory stimulation timing S And may be set to an average amplitude value of an EEG measured for a predetermined time. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the mean amplitude value of the EEG measured from -500 ms to 0 ms may be the baseline.

4A is a diagram showing an example in which EEG measurement results are confirmed in three dimensions by applying a Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (AFM) analysis method. FIG. 4B is a graph showing an example of a functional magnetic resonance imaging As shown in FIG. For reference, the three-dimensional analysis result of FIG. 4A is shown as symmetrical with the functional magnetic resonance image of FIG. 4B.

4A and 4B, after the olfactory stimulation to the evaluation subject having the normal olfactory function, a region in which the reaction of the EEG is activated ("A1", "B1" in FIG. 4A) ("A2" and "B2" in FIG. 4B) overlap at least partially.

That is, in step S2, a first active area ("A1 "," B1 ") in which a reaction of an EEG is activated and a second active area & , "B2") overlap each other, the reliability of the cognitive performance evaluation of the olfactory stimulus can be set high.

For example, referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, a result obtained by evaluating that there is cognitive ability for the olfactory stimulus only when the amount (overlap amount) of "A1" of FIG. 4A and "A2" It can be seen that it corresponds to the right evaluation.

Conversely, in step S2, a first active area ("A1 "," B1 ") in which a reaction of an EEG is activated and a second active area & , "B2") are not overlapped with each other, it may be corrected or excluded as a result of evaluating the cognitive ability of the olfactory stimulus to be a wrong evaluation.

Here, the first active areas ("A1 "," B1 ") are three-dimensionally confirmed as shown in FIG. 4A by applying a low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) . In addition, the first active region can be identified based on the generation time point of the directional peak P2 of the positive EEG occurring within the second time range. 4A, confirmation of the first active region indicates that the amplitude of the EEG waveform rapidly changes from the negative direction peak N1 to the positive direction P2 to a positive direction P2 latency, . ≪ / RTI >

That is, when the first active region and the second active region overlap each other at the same time point (positive direction peak generation point), related brain waves are generated in the same brain region at the same time for the same olfactory stimulus, The reliability of the cognitive ability evaluation of the olfactory stimulus can be set higher. In other words, according to the present invention, the olfactory evaluation is carried out simultaneously considering the time and the space, so that the olfactory evaluation result having higher reliability can be derived.

In addition, the low resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis is an analysis method in which a source signal region of an EEG is examined by applying a mathematical algorithm to EEG measured at a plurality of positions on the scalp. In other words, the low resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis is an anatomical analysis of the position of the EEG under the cortex based on the surface record EEG measured at each of the plural scalp electrodes. Specifically, according to the low resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis, a plurality of brain waves measured on the scalp are analyzed under the assumption that the current density at a specific region of the brain should be as close as possible to the average current density at the adjacent region, Can be determined in three dimensions.

In order to spatially confirm the source signal region of the EEG, it is preferable to additionally arrange a plurality of reference electrodes on the scalp in addition to the three ground electrodes Fz, Cz, and Pz used for brain wave measurement. Illustratively, EEG measurements can be made using a 31 channel system that can be used with fMRI.

In addition, the computer-readable medium according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a program command for performing the olfactory function evaluation method described above.

That is, embodiments of the present invention may include a computer-readable medium including program instructions for performing various computer-implemented operations. The medium records a program or a process for executing the olfactory function evaluation method as described so far. The medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. Examples of such media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, optical recording media such as CD and DVD, programmed instructions such as floptical disk and magneto-optical media, ROM, And a hardware device configured to store and execute the program. Or such medium may be a transmission medium, such as optical or metal lines, waveguides, etc., including a carrier wave that transmits a signal specifying a program command, data structure, or the like. Examples of program instructions may include machine language code such as those produced by a compiler, as well as high level language code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for evaluating an olfactory function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the present olfactory function evaluation apparatus is an apparatus that can be used to implement the olfactory function evaluation method according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components as those of the above- Will be omitted or omitted.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of an olfactory function evaluating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an olfactory function evaluating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present olfactory function evaluating apparatus includes an electroencephalogram measuring unit 1, an fMRI photographing unit 2, and a control unit 3.

The EEG measuring unit 1 measures the brain waves of the brain part of the subject 500 according to time.

Referring to FIG. 5, the brain-wave measuring unit 1 may be provided in a hat shape closely attached to the scalp. Illustratively, the brain-wave measuring unit 1 may include three ground electrodes (Fz, Cz, Pz) and a plurality of ground electrodes. By providing a plurality of electrodes including three ground electrodes in the electroencephalogram measuring unit 1, it is possible to confirm the position of the brain-active area (first active area) under the cortex based on the brain waves measured on the scalp three-dimensionally .

The fMRI photographing section 2 generates a functional magnetic resonance image of the brain region of the subject 500 simultaneously with the brain wave measurement of the brain wave measuring section 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fMRI photographing unit 2 may be provided to form a hollow portion in the middle of a bore having a cylindrical shape. The toe of the subject to be evaluated is placed in the hollow part of the bore. The bore forms a magnetic field and generates a resonance phenomenon with respect to the nucleus. The bore includes a part of a sperm element forming a static field, a part of a slope forming a gradient field in a sperm element, An RF coil portion that excites the nucleus by applying a pulse and receives an echo signal from the nucleus, and the like.

The control unit 3 includes a coil control unit for controlling the operation of the coils constituting the bore, an image processing unit for receiving the echo signal generated from the nucleus to generate a magnetic resonance image, a workstation for controlling the overall operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, It is preferable to understand the configuration of the broad concept including all the configurations for controlling the fMRI photographing section 2 or processing the images generated from the fMRI photographing section 2,

The control unit 3 evaluates the olfactory function of the evaluation subject 500 by comparing the measurement result of the EEG produced while applying the olfactory stimulus to the evaluation subject 500 and the generation result of the functional magnetic resonance image on the basis of the olfactory stimulation timing . Specifically, when the reaction of the brain waves is activated after the time of the olfactory stimulation, and the cerebral blood flow is also activated in the functional magnetic resonance image, the control unit 3 determines whether the evaluation subject 500 has a cognitive ability for the olfactory stimulus .

The control unit 3 can determine that the response of the brain waves to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the maximum peak in the positive direction of the brain waves occurs within the second time range T2 after the olfactory stimulation timing S have. Or the control unit 3 generates the negative directional peak N1 of the brain waves within the first time range T1 after the olfactory stimulation timing S and generates the negative directional peak N1 of the brain waves within the second time range T2 It can be concluded that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the positive directional peak (P1) of the EEG is generated.

As described above, the first time range T1 may be a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms based on the time when the olfactory stimulus timing S is 0 ms, and the second time range T2 may be an olfactory angle And may be in the time range from 450 ms to 700 ms on the stimulation time basis.

As another example, the controller 3 may determine that the response of the EEG to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the amplitude fluctuation amplitude of the EEG exceeds the predetermined amplitude fluctuation value after the time of the olfactory stimulation. As described above, the magnitude of amplitude fluctuation of the EEG is determined by the negative peak N1 of the brain waves appearing in the first time range T1 after the olfactory stimulus point S and the negative peak N1 of the brain waves after the negative peak May be an absolute value (| P2-N1 |) of a difference between positive positive peaks (P2) of the brain waves appearing in the two time range (T2).

As the first active region in which the reaction of the EEG is activated and the second active region in which the cerebral blood flow is activated in the functional magnetic resonance image are overlapped with each other in the brain region of the evaluation subject 500, The evaluation reliability of the stimulus perception ability can be set high. As described above, the first active area ("A1 "," B1 ") applies low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) It can be confirmed dimensionally.

As described above, the control unit 3 may be configured to perform the process corresponding to step S2 of the olfactory function evaluation method described above.

In addition, the present olfactory function evaluating apparatus may include a olfactory stimulator 4. The olfactory stimulator 4 can supply the fragrance set by the olfactory angle of the evaluation subject 500 at the set time point. The set odorants can be classified into citral (good fragrance), β-mecapenthanol (odor), and propylene glycol (odorless).

Further, the olfactory stimulator 4 can be interlocked with the control unit 3. [ Illustratively, the control unit 3 can adjust the olfactory stimulation timing S by the olfactory stimulator 4. Further, the control unit 3 can automatically record the olfactory stimulation timing S by the olfactory stimulator 4. [

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the present olfactory function evaluation method and apparatus will be described.

According to the present invention, the EEG-based brain wave measuring unit 1, in which the metal electrodes are dispersedly arranged, is worn on the evaluation subject 500 and the cannula is inserted into the nose of the evaluation subject 500, The EEG measurement through the measurement unit 1 and the cerebral blood flow measurement through the fMRI imaging unit 2 are performed simultaneously with the olfactory stimulation. As a result of the measurement, if the activation of the EEG and the activation of the cerebral blood flow are all found to be related to the same olfactory stimulus, it can be judged that the subject does not lose the olfactory function.

Thus, according to the present invention, brain wave measurement with high temporal resolution and fMRI generation with high spatial resolution are performed in synchronism with each other at the same time so that activation of brain waves and changes in cerebral blood flow can be simultaneously measured at the same time, And a standardized olfactory function evaluation result can be provided. Moreover, it is possible to develop a proper chemical sensory stimulation method more effectively, and to more easily identify the activation area and cognitive process of the brain responsive to the stimulus.

In addition, EEG was applied to the P2 latency at the time of rapid change of the EEG waveform amplitude, and then the 3D imaging was performed using fMRI. The reliability of the olfactory function evaluation result of the person to be evaluated can be further improved by analyzing whether or not the first active area and the second active area overlap each other.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing description of the embodiments is for illustrative purposes and that those skilled in the art can easily modify the invention without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be distributed and implemented, and components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

1: EEG measurement part 2: fMRI imaging part (functional magnetic resonance imaging part)
3: control unit 4: olfactory stimulator
500: Target of evaluation

Claims (20)

In the olfactory function evaluation method,
Simultaneously performing the EEG measurement and the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) generation of the brain region of the subject to be evaluated while applying the olfactory stimulus to the subject to be evaluated; And
Evaluating the olfactory function of the subject to be evaluated by comparing the result of measurement of the EEG with the result of generation of the functional magnetic resonance image on the basis of the olfactory stimulation timing,
Wherein the evaluation of the olfactory function comprises the steps of: when the reaction of the EEG is activated after the time of the olfactory stimulation and the cerebral blood flow is activated in the functional magnetic resonance image, Wherein the olfactory function evaluation method is evaluated as having an olfactory function evaluation. The method according to claim 1,
The step of evaluating the olfactory function comprises:
Wherein when the maximum peak in the positive direction of the EEG occurs within a predetermined time range after the time of the olfactory stimulation, it is determined that the reaction of the EEG is activated with respect to the olfactory stimulus. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the predetermined time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms. The method according to claim 1,
The step of evaluating the olfactory function comprises:
When a negative directional peak of the brain wave occurs within a first time range after the time of the olfactory stimulation and a positive directional peak of the brain wave occurs within a second time range after the generation of the negative directional peak, Wherein the sensation of the sensed olfactory function is judged to be activated. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first time range is a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms and the second time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms based on the olfactory stimulus time point. The method according to claim 1,
The step of evaluating the olfactory function comprises:
Wherein when the magnitude of amplitude fluctuation of the brain wave exceeds a predetermined amplitude variation value after the time of the olfactory stimulation, it is determined that the response of the brain wave to the olfactory stimulus is activated,
Wherein the magnitude of the amplitude fluctuation of the EEG includes a negative peak of the EEG occurring within a first time range after the olfactory stimulation point and a negative peak of the EEG occurring within a second time range after the occurrence of the negative direction peak, Wherein the absolute value of the difference of the positive peak is an absolute value of the difference of the positive peak. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first time range is a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms and the second time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms based on the olfactory stimulus time point. The method according to claim 1,
The step of evaluating the olfactory function comprises:
The evaluation reliability of the cognitive ability is set to be higher as the first active region in which the reaction of the brain waves is activated and the second active region in which the cerebral blood flow is activated overlap each other in the brain region of the evaluation subject / RTI > 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the first active region and the second active region are identified based on a generation time point of a positive directional peak of the EEG occurring within a predetermined time range. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the predetermined time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the first active region is verified three-dimensionally by applying Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography to the EEG measurement result. A computer-readable medium on which a program for executing the olfactory function evaluation method according to claim 1 is recorded. In the olfactory function evaluation apparatus,
A brain wave measuring unit for measuring brain waves of the brain region of the subject according to time;
An fMRI photographing unit for generating a functional magnetic resonance image of the brain region simultaneously with the brain wave measurement of the brain wave measuring unit; And
And a controller for evaluating the olfactory function of the evaluation subject by comparing the result of measurement of the brain waves and the result of generation of the functional magnetic resonance image made with the olfactory stimulus to the evaluation subject based on the olfactory stimulation timing,
Wherein the controller evaluates that the subject to be evaluated has cognitive ability to the olfactory stimulus when the reaction of the brain waves is activated after the time of the olfactory stimulation and the cerebral blood flow is determined to be activated in the functional magnetic resonance image Olfactory function evaluation device. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the controller determines that the response of the brain waves to the olfactory stimulus is activated when a maximum peak in the positive direction of the brain waves occurs within a predetermined time range after the time of the olfactory stimulation. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the predetermined time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms. 14. The method of claim 13,
When the negative direction peak of the brain wave occurs within a first time range after the time of the olfactory stimulation and a positive direction peak of the brain wave occurs within a second time range after the negative direction peak occurs , And determines that the reaction of the brain waves is activated with respect to the olfactory stimulus. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the first time range is a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms and the second time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms based on the olfactory stimulation time point. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the control unit determines that the response of the brain waves to the olfactory stimulus is activated when the magnitude of amplitude fluctuation of the brain wave exceeds the predetermined amplitude variation value after the time of the olfactory stimulation,
Wherein the magnitude of the amplitude fluctuation of the EEG includes a negative peak of the EEG occurring within a first time range after the olfactory stimulation point and a negative peak of the EEG occurring within a second time range after the occurrence of the negative direction peak, Wherein the absolute value of the difference of the positive peak is an absolute value of the difference of the positive peak. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the first time range is a time range of 300 ms to 500 ms and the second time range is a time range of 450 ms to 700 ms based on the olfactory stimulation time point. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein,
The evaluation reliability of the cognitive ability is set to be higher as the first active region in which the reaction of the brain waves is activated and the second active region in which the cerebral blood flow is activated overlap each other in the brain region of the evaluation subject Olfactory function evaluation device.

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