Method and apparatus for treatment of focal dystonia
AssigneeMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
InventorMichael J. Pitman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms.
Claims28
A method of treating focal dystonia comprising:
- a. providing a system comprising a stimulating electrode operably connected with a processor configured to set one or more stimulation parameters for an electrical impulse deliverable by said electrode;
- b. placing said electrode in communication with at least one muscle;
- c. using said processor to set said stimulation parameters such that said electrical impulse is adapted to cause a level of stimulation which does not exceed an excitability threshold of one or more alpha motor neurons located within said at least one muscle;
- and
- d. delivering said electrical impulse to said at least one muscle.
A method of treating focal dystonia comprising using an electrode in communication with a processor to deliver an electrical impulse to a muscle, wherein said impulse delivers a level of stimulation that is below an excitability threshold of alpha motor neurons innervating said muscle.
A system for treating focal dystonia comprising an electrode configured to deliver an electrical impulse to a muscle, said electrode being in communication with a processor configured to set one or more stimulation parameters governing said electrical impulse, wherein said processor is adapted to cause said electrical impulse to deliver a level of stimulation to a muscle placed in communication with said electrode, said level of stimulation being below an excitability threshold of alpha neurons innervating said muscle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.