High-Frequency Spinal Cord Neurostimulation for Sensory Deficits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for peripheral neuropathy, such as medication, injection therapy, and physical therapy, often fail to address the sensory deficits and motor impairments associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy, as the underlying causes are unknown or not effectively treated.
Innovation Solution
High frequency electrical stimulation is delivered to the spinal cord via implantable devices to modulate target nerves, up-regulate or down-regulate neural activity, and restore sensory function by applying signals ranging from 200 Hz to 100 kHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments (medication, injection therapy, physical therapy) are used for peripheral neuropathy, then the underlying cause may be addressed, but sensory deficits and motor impairments are not effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high frequency electrical stimulation (200 Hz to 100 kHz) to the spinal cord, representing a significant parameter change from conventional low frequency or non-electrical treatments. This high frequency stimulation specifically targets sensory and motor nerve pathways to restore function while conventional treatments address only the underlying cause without effectively treating the neurological deficits
2Reliability
If surface electrical stimulation is applied to muscles and nerves, then diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be treated, but sensory function restoration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level electrical stimulation to deep spinal cord stimulation by delivering high frequency electrical signals directly to the spinal cord through implantable devices. This dimensional change from surface to deep tissue stimulation enables effective restoration of sensory perception and motor function that surface stimulation cannot achieve
3Adaptability or versatility
If the underlying cause of neuropathy is unknown or cannot be treated, then conventional treatments fail, but high frequency spinal cord stimulation can still restore sensory and motor function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the treatment mechanism from dependency on the underlying cause by directly stimulating the spinal cord's neural pathways. Instead of treating the root cause (which may be unknown or untreatable), the invention directly addresses the neurological deficits through high frequency electrical stimulation, making the treatment effective regardless of the underlying etiology
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively restores sensory function, reduces pain, and improves motor capabilities in patients with peripheral neuropathy, as demonstrated by clinical data showing significant improvements in sensory perception and motor function.
Implementation Method 1
High frequency electrical stimulation is delivered to the spinal cord via implantable devices to modulate target nerves, up-regulate or down-regulate neural activity, and restore sensory function
Data Source
AI summary
Stimulation for treating sensory deficits in patients with spinal cord injuries and/or peripheral polyneuropathy, and associated systems and methods. A representative method includes addressing the patient's somatosensory dysfunction, resulting from neuropathy and/or spinal cord injury, by directing an electrical therapy signal to the patient's spinal cord region, the therapy signal having a frequency in a frequency range from 200 Hz to 100 kHz.