System and method for neuro-stimulation

Abstract

A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and / or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and / or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and / or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 429,252 filed May 5, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 429,252 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 377,202 filed May 3, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 880,026 filed Jan. 12, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Invention [0003] The present invention is generally directed to a system for providing neuro-stimulation, and more particularly, to a system that employs electrical current and / or mechanical vibration to deliver subthreshold and / or aperiodic stimulation to enhance detection and communication of sensory information. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] The nervous syst...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention provide neuro-stimulation systems that deliver stimulation to enhance the function of sensory cells. In view of the foregoing, an exemplary application applies a neuro-stimulation system to reverse the sensorimotor deficits caused by stroke. Focusing on mechanical sensory neurons in the periphery, embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the interplay between mechanoreceptors and neuromuscular performance. These sensory neurons provide touch, motion, and force feedback that is contributes to coordinated movement, acquisition of motor skills, and reestablishing sensorimotor function following injury. As such, embodiments of the present invention apply stimulation to mechanoreceptors to increase their ability to transmit sensory information. The mechanoreceptors receiving stimulation may include, for instance, subcutaneous mechanoreceptors as well as receptors in deeper structures. This stimulation enhances mechanical sensory information provided to the spinal cord and brain.

[0015] In an exemplary application, the neuro-stimulation system above is employed adjunctive to movement of a body part. For example, such movement may be employed as a part of post-stroke rehabilitative therapy. By applying stimulation from the neuro-stimulation system in proximity to the region of the body affected by stroke, the neuroplastic process (the creation of new sensorimotor pathways that allow healthy areas of the brain to assume the functions of the damaged portion) is enhanced. This therapy is particularly effective when used in conjunction with physical rehabilitation procedures. As such, preferred embodiments of the neuro-stimulation system may have small, lightweight components which facilitate the application of stimulation during physical therapy and do not interfere with the therapy with wires, connection cables, etc.

[0016] Other embodiments of the present invention may have other configurations and shapes for delivering controlled stimulation to any sensory cells of any body part according to a variety of therapeutic applications. Some embodiments may include only electrodes while others include only vibrating elements for delivering stimulation. For some applications, it may be preferable to include all components of a neuro-stimulation system in a single housing that is applied to the targeted body part. On the other hand, for other applications, it may be preferable to include the stimulator in an application body, i.e., a housing applied to the body part, while the controller has a separate housing which may be placed at a distance from the application body. Moreover, in other embodiments, a neuro-stimulation system may be incorporated within the structure of another distinct device, e.g., a wearable garment, where the application of stimulation improves an operator's ability to use the device or to enhance the effectiveness of the device. In yet other embodiments, stimulator elements (whether strictly electrical, mechanical, or both) may be implanted under the skin of the subject. The controller that is attached to the implanted stimulator elements may itself also be implanted, with connecting means traversing under the skin to the stimulator elements. In addition, the controller may remain extracorporeal with connecting means passing through the skin to the implanted stimulator elements.

Problems solved by technology

While many patients improve with current physical rehabilitation therapy, most are left with significant motor deficits.

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