Patterned stimulation intensity for neural stimulation
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can modulate the intensity of a neural stimulation signal over time. A pulse generator can be configured to generate a stimulation signal for application to neural tissue of an individual and modulate a parameter related to intensity of a pattern of pulses of the stimulation signal over time. An electrode can be coupled to the pulse generator and configured to apply the stimulation signal to the neural tissue. A population of axons in the neural tissue can be recruited with each pulse of the stimulation signal.
1. A method comprising:
receiving a sensor signal in response to an action
configuring a stimulation signal with a pattern of stimulation intensities based on the sensor signal;
delivering the stimulation signal to one or more nerves of the individual,
wherein the individual experiences a virtual sensation based on the stimulation signal being delivered to the one or more nerves of the individual.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the individual is an amputee and the virtual sensation is related to an amputated body part.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the individual is a diseased individual and the virtual sensation is related to a diseased body part.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the individual is an able bodied individual and the virtual sensation is related to an intact body part.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving another sensor signal in response to another action; and
reconfiguring the stimulation signal with a different pattern of stimulation intensities based on a different virtual sensation to be felt by the individual.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more nerves of the individual comprise a plurality of sensory fibers, and
wherein the stimulation signal is configured to activate at least a portion of the sensory fibers.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual sensation is related to pain relief.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action is performed by or on a device external to the individual.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action is performed at a location of the individual and/or at a location remote from the individual.
10. A system comprising:
a pulse generator configured to:
configure a stimulation signal with a pattern of stimulation intensities based on a sensor signal received in response to an action; and
generate the stimulation signal;
at least one electrode configured to deliver the stimulation signal to one or more nerves of an individual to cause the individual to experience a virtual sensation.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to at least partially surround the one or more nerves.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the individual is an amputee and the virtual sensation is related to an amputated body part.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the individual is a diseased individual and the virtual sensation is related to a diseased body part.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the individual is an able bodied individual and the virtual sensation is related to an intact body part.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more nerves of the individual comprise sensory fibers,
wherein the stimulation signal is configured to deliver a sensation to the sensory fibers so that the individual experiences the virtual sensation.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the action is performed by the individual.
17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the action is performed by or on a device external to the individual.
18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the action is performed at a location of the individual and/or at a location remote from the individual.
19. The system of claim 10 , wherein the virtual sensation allows the individual to experience a sensation when the individual otherwise would not be able to experience the sensation,
wherein the pattern of stimulation intensities mimic actual biological signals.
20. The system of claim 10 , wherein the virtual sensation is related to pain relief.