Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient

A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function, comprising:

• selecting a stimulation site by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function;
• positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site;
• and
• applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode.

A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body part, comprising:

• selecting a stimulation site by (a) generating an intended neural activity by triggering a neural signal in or from an impaired body part, and (b) detecting a region of an ipsilateral hemisphere of the brain in which a response neural activity occurs in reaction to the neural signal, the ipsilateral hemisphere being ipsilateral to the impaired body part;
• positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site;
• and
• applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode.

A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body part that is incapable of volitional control, comprising:

• positioning an electrode assembly proximate to an ipsilateral region of the cortex of the patient where neural activity for motor control of the impaired body part is expected or determined to occur, the ipsilateral region being ipsilateral to the impaired body part;
• selecting a stimulation site in the region of the cortex by (a) applying an electrical stimulation to at least one configuration of electrodes, and (b) detecting the extent to which the applied electrical stimulation produces a response in the impaired body part;
• and
• applying an electrical stimulation therapy to the selected body part via the electrode assembly.

A method of effectuating a neural-function that has been affected by damage to a first region of a patient's brain, comprising:

• selecting a stimulation site by generating remotely from the first location an intended neural activity and determining a second region of the brain, contralateral to the first region, where the generated neural activity is present;
• positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site;
• and
• applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode.