Trans-spinal Direct Current Modulation for Spasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for regulating muscle tone and autonomic system functions are inadequate, particularly in addressing muscle tone abnormalities and autonomic nervous system disorders, with existing treatments having short-term efficacy and significant side effects.
Innovation Solution
The use of trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in conjunction with peripheral direct current stimulation (pDCS) to modulate spinal cord excitability and nerve stimulation, allowing for the regulation of muscle tone and autonomic functions through the application of direct current to the spinal cord and associated nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacological, surgical, or physical treatments are used to manage spasticity, then muscle tone can be temporarily reduced, but the efficacy is short-term and confounded by side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological (chemical) treatments with electrical stimulation (tsDCS and pDCS) to modulate spinal cord excitability and regulate muscle tone. This substitution eliminates drug-related side effects while providing sustained therapeutic effects through direct neural modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) and peripheral direct current stimulation (pDCS) with specific current parameters to modulate spinal cord excitability. By adjusting stimulation intensity, duration, and polarity, the system achieves long-term muscle tone regulation without the temporary efficacy and side effects of conventional treatments.
2Reliability
If conventional treatments for autonomic nervous system disorders are applied, then some symptoms can be managed, but no effective treatments currently exist for dysautonomias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal neuromodulation system (tsDCS combined with pDCS) that can treat multiple types of autonomic nervous system disorders including dysautonomias, spasticity, and other effector organ dysfunctions. This multi-functional approach provides effective treatment options where none previously existed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the absence of effective treatments with electrical neuromodulation technology that directly targets autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The system modulates spinal cord excitability to regulate autonomic functions, providing the first effective treatment modality for previously untreatable dysautonomias.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If spinal cord stimulation is used to regulate muscle tone, then long-term modulation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases with dual stimulation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neuromodulation system into two functional components: trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) for spinal cord excitability modulation and peripheral direct current stimulation (pDCS) for nerve stimulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve long-term muscle tone regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines tsDCS and pDCS into an integrated neuromodulation system where both stimulation methods are applied simultaneously or sequentially to achieve synergistic effects. This merging of techniques provides long-term modulation while managing system complexity through coordinated control of both components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Improved neuromodulation control of neurological abnormalities associated with effector organs in vertebrate beings using direct current stimulation for modulating spinal cord excitability, having a peripheral-current supplying component for providing direct current peripheral nerve stimulation and a spinal-current supplying component providing direct current for spinal stimulation, and a controller managing such functions.