US 9,308,363 B2 · Neurostimulation for treating pain, improving function and other nervous system related conditions

Abstract

Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a patch for treating a patient for chronic pain and for cosmetic treatment. As consistent with one or more embodiments, neurostimulation is carried out via stimulating electrodes and one or more reference electrodes applied externally to a region of pain (e.g., by applying current between 0.2 and 60 mA to skin). The area to be treated is located either by a stimulating device, or by using at least one of the stimulating electrodes on the device itself to locate the pain prior to treatment. The electrodes are applied to the patient's skin as located using firm pressure while a stimulating pulse is applied as treatment. This action produces a remarkable and unexpected level of pain relief over a wide area. Aspects of the disclosure extend to a method for the treatment of chronic pain using the above-mentioned parameters and procedures.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An apparatus for treating a patient, the apparatus comprising:

an insulating support;
at least one rounded or substantially hemispherically-shaped or parabolically-shaped electrically-conducting stud projecting from one side of the insulating support, the at least one stud being configured and arranged with the insulating support to indent the patient's skin via the stud, in response to the insulating support being held against the patient's skin;
a power source and a signal generator;
and
an electrical connector connected to the at least one stud and configured and arranged with the stud to connect the stud to the power source and the signal generator, the signal generator being configured and arranged with the electrical connector and the stud to
in a locating mode, generate a first electrical stimulating signal at a first current level, therein facilitating location of a nerve region of the patient, and
operate in a treatment mode, in response to locating the nerve region, by generating a second electrical stimulating signal at a second current level that is reduced relative to the first current level, therein facilitating stimulation of the located nerve region.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Neurostimulation for treating pain, improving function and other nervous system related conditions

Life of this patent

Neurostimulation for treating pain, improving function and other nervous system related conditions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25