Apparatus and method for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve
OwnerJohn W. Cuozzoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve includes an energy source that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve and an attachment portion to secure the energy source in a mouth in proximity to the tooth. Stimulating the trigeminal nerve in this manner has been experimentally shown to induce and/or enhance relaxation and/or sleep without the adverse side effects associated with traditional drug therapies. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be realized as a “cap” having two legs that engage opposing sides of a tooth and a bridge portion spanning the occlusal surface of the tooth to link the legs.
Claims17
An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:
- a transducer that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve;
- a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer;
- an attachment portion to secure said transducer in a mouth in proximity to the tooth;
- and
- a timer that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following a selected interval of provision of said electrical signal.
A method of stimulating the trigeminal nerve, said method comprising:
- within a mouth, removably securing an energy source it proximity to a tooth;
- imparting energy to enamel of the tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve utilizing energy source;
- and
- thereafter, automatically discontinuing impartation of energy to said enamel after a selected interval.
An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:
- a transducer that imparts energy to an oral tissue to stimulate the trigeminal nerve;
- an oral appliance supporting said transducer;
- a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer;
- and
- a metering device that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following provision of a selected quantum of said electrical signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.