Vibratory neuromodulation
AssigneeAlfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
InventorsBrian Mech, Robert Greenberg
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Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for neuromodulation using a housing that at least partially contains a stimulator assembly, wherein the stimulator assembly is configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation and/or using a sound wave; and wherein the vibration generated by the stimulator assembly is configured to therapeutically treat the subject by stimulating one or more nerves when the housing is placed in proximity to or on a skin surface of a subject.
Claims22
A method of treating a pelvic floor disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising:
- providing a neuromodulation system, comprising i) a housing that at least partially contains a stimulator assembly, wherein the stimulator assembly is configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation using a member that translates a unidirectional vibration into vibration along one or more additional directions and using a sound wave, and ii) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the stimulator assembly;
- placing the housing on a skin surface of the subject;
- stimulating a tibial nerve and a saphenous nerve of the subject by initiating vibration of the stimulator assembly, wherein the vibration generated by the stimulator assembly is configured to stimulate the tibial nerve and/or the saphenous nerve of the subject when the housing is placed on the skin surface of the subject;
- and
- reducing or eliminating one or more symptoms of the pelvic floor disorder experienced by the subject, wherein the pelvic floor disorder comprises incontinence and/or overactive bladder syndrome.
A method of treating sleep apnea in a subject in need thereof, comprising:
- providing a neuromodulation system comprising i) a housing that at least partially contains a stimulator assembly, wherein the stimulator assembly is configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation using a member that translates a unidirectional vibration into vibration along one or more additional directions and using a sound wave, ii) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the stimulator assembly;
- and iii) one or more sensors;
- placing the housing on a skin surface of a chin or a neck of the subject;
- stimulating a hypoglossal and/or a glossopharyngeal nerve of the subject by initiating vibration of the stimulator assembly;
- adjusting, by the controller, a frequency, amplitude, duration, and/or duty cycle of the vibration generated by the stimulator assembly based on a respiration signal for the subject determined based upon data collected from the one or more sensors;
- and
- reducing or eliminating one or more symptoms of the sleep apnea experienced by the subject.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.