IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,073,546
Granted Patent B2
US 8,073,546 · App. 12/834,711 · Granted Dec 6, 2011

Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,073,546
App. No.
12/834,711
Granted
Dec 6, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. For example, the method can include selecting a stimulation site by generating an intended neural activity by triggering a neural signal in or from the impaired body part and detecting a region of the brain in which a response neural activity occurs in reaction to the neural signal.

Claims (19)

1. A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body part, comprising:

selecting a stimulation site by (a) generating an intended neural activity by triggering a neural signal in or from the impaired body part, wherein the impaired body part is a limb, digit or combination thereof affected by neural dysfunction of the patient's brain, (b) detecting a cortical region of the brain in which a response neural activity occurs in reaction to the neural signal and (c) selecting the stimulation site to be within the detected cortical region;

positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site; and

applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises passively moving the impaired body part.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises passively moving the impaired body part via attaching the impaired body part to a passive motion machine that moves the impaired body part through a defined motion.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises applying an electrical stimulation to the impaired body part.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises applying an electrical stimulation to a nerve of the impaired body part.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein applying electrical stimulation to the nerve of the impaired body part is performed using percutaneous electrodes.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the electrical stimulation to the impaired body part is performed using subcutaneous or transcutaneous electrical devices.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the electrical stimulation to the impaired body part uses transcutaneous electrode patches.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein trigging the neural signal comprises applying stimulation to the impaired body part using transcutaneous magnetic elements.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the impaired body part is incapable of volitional control.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the selecting the stimulation site further comprises assessing where the brain is recruiting neurons related to the functionality of the impaired body part.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the patient suffers from a movement disorder.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the patient suffers from Parkinson's disease.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulation site comprises the motor cortex.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering the neural signal comprises using sensory test or sensory stimulation.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the sensory test comprises pricking the patient.