Neurologic therapy devices, systems, and methods
AssigneeNeuroRhythmics, Inc.
InventorsCarol M. MALONEY, Mark ETTLINGER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A neurologic therapy device that is useful for rehabilitating patients suffering from one or more speech, and methods using the same. In embodiments the neurologic therapy device includes a band, one or more actuators on or within the band, and a control system. The control system is configured to cause the actuators to produce stimuli in accordance with a stimulus pattern. When applied to a body part (e.g. stimulus locations) of a user, the stimuli may assist the user to overcome or reduce one or more symptoms of a neurologic disorder. For example, the stimuli may assist an aphasia patient to initiate and/or cadence his/her speech.
Claims20
A neurologic therapy device comprising:
- a band;
- at least one actuator coupled to the band;
- a power source;
- and
- a control system;
- wherein:
- said control system is configured to generate a control signal for said at least one actuator in accordance with a stimulus pattern;
- in response to said control signal, said at least one actuator is configured to produce one or more stimuli in accordance with said stimulus pattern;
- when said band is worn by a patient, said at least one actuator is configured to apply said stimuli to a stimulus location on a body of said patient, said stimuli being configured to stimulate one or more nerves proximate said stimulus location;
- and
- said stimulus pattern is configured to assist the patient to initiate and cadence their speech.
A neurologic therapy method, comprising:
- causing a patient to wear a therapeutic device, the neurologic therapy device comprising:
- a band;
- at least one actuator coupled to the band;
- a power source;
- and
- a control system;
- identifying a stimulus pattern to be implemented by said control system;
- generating, with said control system, a control signal in accordance with said stimulus pattern;
- transmitting said control signal to said at least one actuator, wherein said control signals are configured to cause said at least one actuator to produce stimuli in accordance with said stimulus pattern;
- and
- stimulating at least one nerve in a body part of the patient with said stimuli;
- wherein said stimulus pattern is configured to assist the patient to initiate and cadence their speech.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.