Stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion for treating depression
Apparatus for modifying a property of a brain of a patient is provided, including one or more electrodes ( 7 ), adapted to be applied to a site selected from a group of sites consisting of: a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) ( 6 ) of the patient and a neural tract originating in or leading to the SPG. A control unit ( 8 ) is adapted to drive the one or more electrodes to apply a current to the site capable of inducing (a) an increase in permeability of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) of the patient, (b) a change in cerebral blood flow of the patient, and/or (c) an inhibition of parasympathetic activity of the SPG.
1. A method comprising:
identifying that a patient suffers from depression; and
treating the depression by directly applying a current to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient, and configuring the current to activate the site to induce a change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the patient.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein applying the current comprises implanting an electrode in contact with or in a vicinity of the SPG, designated to remain in the patient for a period greater than about one month.
3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein applying the current comprises placing an electrode in contact with or in a vicinity of the SPG implanting an implanted unit, and communicating with the implanted unit by wireless communication from a position external to the patient.
4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein applying the current comprises implanting a stimulator through a nasal cavity of the patient.
5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein configuring the current comprises configuring the current to induce an increase in the CBF.
6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein configuring the current comprises configuring the current to induce vasodilation of middle cerebral and anterior cerebral lumens of the patient.
7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein treating the depression comprises treating the depression on a long-term basis.
8. A method comprising:
identifying that a patient suffers from anxiety; and
treating the anxiety by directly applying a current to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient, and configuring the current to activate the site to induce a change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the patient.