Devices and methods for treatment of anxiety and related disorders via delivery of mechanical stimulation to nerve, mechanoreceptor, and cell targets

Abstract

Presented herein are systems, methods, and devices that provide for stimulation of nerves and / or targets such as mechanoreceptors, tissue regions, mechanoresponsive proteins, and vascular targets through generation and delivery of mechanical vibrational waves. In certain embodiments, the approaches described herein utilize a stimulation device (e.g., a wearable device) for generation and delivery of the mechanical vibrational waves. As described herein, the delivered vibrational waves can be tailored based on particular targets (e.g., nerves, mechanoreceptors, vascular targets, tissue regions) to stimulate and / or to elicited particular desired responses in a subject. As described herein, in certain embodiments, the delivery of mechanical stimulation to a subject provides for treatment of anxiety.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 623,977, filed Jan. 30, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 680,525, filed Jun. 4, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 741,758, filed Oct. 5, 2018, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to wearable neuromodulation devices for promoting nerve stimulation through mechanical vibration. In particular, in certain embodiments the neuromodulation devices provide for treatment of anxiety and related disorders.BACKGROUND[0003]Electrical stimulation of nerves in human subjects can alter mood states, reduce the sensation of pain, and treat certain diseases. While promising in this regard, patients subjected to electrical stimulation often experience unpleasant and / or dangerous side effects, including skin irritatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of controlling the properties of mechanical waves to achieve various health benefits in subjects. By controlling the mechanical waveform, the approach can promote relaxation, prevent migraine headaches, manage stress, alleviate diseases, and improve sleep. Additionally, the patent also describes a method to adjust the levels of stress hormones (such as cortisol, oxytocin, and serotonin) in a subject using the mechanical waves. This can be useful for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Problems solved by technology

While promising in this regard, patients subjected to electrical stimulation often experience unpleasant and / or dangerous side effects, including skin irritation resulting from gels needed to maintain good contact between electrodes and the patient's skin, burns and / or rashes, and pain or irritation at the stimulation site.

Such side effects are particularly problematic for applications where nerve stimulation should be applied frequently (e.g., daily), such as for stress management.

Images