Skull implanted electrode assembly for brain stimulation

Abstract

A skull-implantable electrode assembly for delivering pulses of electric current to a patient's brain, comprising an electrode housed in an insulated conduit and threaded through an electrically-conductive cannulated skull screw. Details of the exterior construction are discussed, as well as electrode arrangements and methods of treating a medical ailment of a patient.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field[0001]The present invention relates to an electronics assembly comprising an electrically-conductive cannulated screw configured to traverse a patient's skull to stimulate the patient's brain with an electric current, and methods of use.Description of the Related Art[0002]The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.[0003]Brain stimulation therapies involve activating or touching the brain directly with electricity, magnets, or implants to treat depression and other disorders. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most researched stimulation therapy and has the longest history of use. Othe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure relates to an implantable electrode assembly for treating medical ailments of a patient. The assembly includes an electrically-conductive cannulated skull screw with a head end and a point end. The skull screw is configured to transverse the skull and the point end is located inside the skull. The assembly also includes an electronics module with a casing and a connection end. The electronics module is electrically connected to the skull screw through a conductive disc. The electrode end is connected to the electronics module and forms at least two electrical connections with different locations of the patient's brain tissue. The assembly can be used to treat epilepsy, migraines, depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, bipolar disorder, strokes, dementia, schizophrenia, delirium, neurosis, psychosis, Parkinson's disease, alcohol withdrawal, drug withdrawal, dizziness, motion sickness, insomnia, dystonia, chronic pain, obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome, essential tremor, spasticity, trigeminal neuralgia, and headaches. The method involves implanting the assembly and generating pulses of current between the electrode end and the skull screw to treat the ailment.

Problems solved by technology

First developed in 1938, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for years had a poor reputation with many negative depictions in popular culture.

It also may be used in life-threatening circumstances, such as when a patient is unable to move or respond to the outside world (e.g., catatonia), is suicidal, or is malnourished as a result of severe depression.

Through the electrodes, an electric current passes through the brain, causing a seizure that lasts generally less than one minute.

The most common side effects associated with ECT are headache, upset stomach, and muscle aches.

Some people may experience memory problems, especially of memories around the time of the treatment.

People may also have trouble remembering information learned shortly after the procedure, but this difficulty usually disappears over the days and weeks following the end of an ECT course.

It is possible that a person may have gaps in memory over the weeks during which he or she receives treatment.

Research has found that memory problems seem to be more associated with the traditional type of ECT called bilateral ECT, in which the electrodes are placed on both sides of the head.

Using brain scans, scientists found that the device affected areas of the brain that are also involved in mood regulation.

Despite FDA approval, VNS remains a controversial treatment for depression because results of studies testing its effectiveness in treating major depression have been mixed.

Normally, a person does not feel any sensation in the body as the device works, but it may cause coughing or the voice may become hoarse while the nerve is being stimulated.

A person may want to deactivate it if side effects become intolerable, or before engaging in strenuous activity or exercise because it may interfere with breathing.

There may be complications such as infection from the implant surgery, or the device may become loose, move around, or malfunction, which may require additional surgery to correct.

DBS carries risks associated with any type of brain surgery.

For example, the procedure may lead to bleeding in the brain or stroke, infection, disorientation or confusion, unwanted mood changes, movement disorders, lightheadedness, and trouble sleeping.

Because the procedure is still experimental, other side effects that are not yet identified may be possible.

Ojemann direct cortical stimulation carries similar risks associated with any type of brain surgery.

For example, the procedure may lead to seizures, motor movement, disorientation or confusion, slurring or arrest of speech, and lightheadedness.

If the electrode is placed incorrectly, a different site or more sites than intended may be stimulated resulting in faulty results.

These side effects include skin irritation, a phosphene at the start of stimulation, nausea, headache, dizziness, and itching under the electrode.

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