Functional electrical stimulation method, use and apparatus for mood alteration
AssigneeUniversity Health Network
InventorsMilos R. POPOVIC, Jose ZARIFFA, Sander L. HITZIG
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing functional electrical stimulation to an individual for altering a mood or emotional parameter associated with a mood or emotional state is provided. The method involves providing functional electrical stimulation to facial muscles of the individual so as to elicit a detectable contraction in said muscles associated with a facial expression associated with a desired mood or emotional parameter.
Claims24
A method for treating a subject having a condition associated with a mood or an emotional state, comprising:
- applying electrical stimulation to at least one facial muscle associated with said mood or emotional state to activate one or more neural tracts of at least one of the extrapyramidal or pyramidal motor systems of the subject, thereby altering a mood parameter or emotional state of the subject.
A system for use in mood altering functional electrical stimulation to a facial region of a person, comprising:
- a multi-channel stimulator configured to electrically stimulate more than one muscle in the facial region through electric current provided to a pair of electrodes, wherein each muscle is stimulated through a separate channel, in a coordinated fashion.
A kit for performing mood parameter altering functional electrical stimulation comprising:
- a. a system for use in mood altering functional electrical stimulation to a facial region of a person, comprising a multi-channel stimulator configured to electrically stimulate more than one muscle in the facial region through electric current provided to a pair of electrodes;
- with each muscle to be stimulated through a separate channel, in a coordinated fashion;
- b. said plurality of electrodes for delivering functional electrical stimulation from said apparatus to an individual;
- and
- c. instructions for electrode placement on the individual.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.