Methods and apparatus for transcranial stimulation

Abstract

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for applying electric current to neurons in the brain to treat disorders and to improve motor and / or memory functions in a patient. In a method according to the invention, an electrode is positioned adjacent to and spaced from the skin surface of the patient's head and an electric current is applied through the electrode to a target region in the brain to modulate one or more neurons in the target region. The electrode is housed within an enclosure and spaced from the skin surface so that the electrode does not directly contact the patient's tissue, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and shields the electrode from the patient's tissue which substantially inhibits Faradic products (e.g., H+, OH−, H2O2) of the electrode from reaching the target site.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 548,569 filed 27 Aug. 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,682,449 issued 25 Mar. 2014; which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the delivery of electrical energy to bodily tissues for therapeutic purposes, and more specifically to devices and methods for treating various disorders resulting from nerve transmissions in the brain.[0003]The use of electrical stimulation for treatment of medical conditions has been well known in the art for nearly two thousand years. Electrical stimulation of the brain and the peripheral nervous system and / or direct stimulation of malfunctioning tissue are generally a completely reversible and non-destructive treatment and holds significant promise for the treatment of many ailments.[0004]Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is being studied for treatment ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that uses low frequency oscillatory or direct current to modulate, stimulate, or inhibit neurons in the brain. The device includes an electrode that is positioned adjacent to the patient's head and an enclosure that is placed in contact with the skin surface. This reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and allows for higher power levels. The electrode can increase or decrease the activity of certain neurons and can be placed near the motor cortex to improve motor performance or near a target region in the brain to treat a disorder. The device can also include a vacuum source to aspirate excess Faradic products and heat from the interior of the enclosure. The technical effects of the invention include improved safety, higher power levels, and longer continuous use of the device in the patient.

Problems solved by technology

Negative symptoms include apathy, poor attention, poor grooming habits and poor motivation.

One of the limitations of current tDCS is that the electric current can only be applied for a limited period of time and at a limited power or voltage because the electrodes will begin to damage the tissue they are in contact with.

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