High-Frequency Electrical Stimulation for Spasticity Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spasticity, including medication, surgery, and physical therapy, often come with side effects, organ burden, infection risks, and require frequent interventions, offering limited long-term relief.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation method using a device with electrodes to generate an electric field between 100 V/m to 1000 V/m at target zones like the dorsal root ganglion, with specific frequency and duration parameters, to block neurotransmission and reduce spasticity without drug side effects or surgical infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional electrical stimulation (50 Hz to 10 kHz) is used to treat neuropathic pain, then short-term symptom relief is achieved, but the effect lasts only 4-5 days requiring frequent repeated treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electrical stimulation from conventional 50 Hz to 10 kHz range to a specific high-frequency range of 200 kHz to 1000 kHz. This parameter change transforms the temporary analgesic effect (lasting 4-5 days) into a long-term effect that persists for several weeks, thereby reducing treatment frequency and improving patient convenience
2Duration of action of moving object
If high-frequency electrical stimulation (200 kHz to 1000 kHz) is applied to block neurotransmission, then long-term spasticity relief is achieved, but there is risk of nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using high-frequency stimulation (200 kHz to 1000 kHz) that is sufficient to block neurotransmission and provide long-term spasticity relief, but controls the dosage through specific parameters (frequency range, pulse width of 1-250 ms, voltage of -10V to -1V or 1V to 10V, current of 2 mA to 50 mA) to avoid excessive action that could cause permanent nerve damage. The treatment is administered in controlled sessions with intervals between treatments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where treatment parameters are adjusted based on patient response. The electrical stimulation parameters (frequency, voltage, current, pulse width) are optimized based on the desired outcome of blocking neurotransmission while avoiding nerve damage, allowing for personalized treatment protocols that balance efficacy and safety
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 provides long-term relief from spastic symptoms, reducing the need for frequent treatments and minimizing side effects, with the electrical stimulation device effectively managing spasticity for several days to weeks without causing permanent nerve damage.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field covering the target zone is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode according to the first electrical stimulation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing spasticity applied with an electrical stimulation device to electrically stimulate a target zone of an organism suffering from spasticity. The electrical stimulation device comprises at least one electrical stimulation unit. The electrical stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The method includes the following steps. The electrical stimulation unit is placed near the target zone. The electrical stimulation unit generates an electrical stimulation signal and the electrical stimulation signal is introduced to the target zone so as to stimulate the target zone. An electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and covers the target zone. The strength of the electric field ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m.