Systems and methods for selecting low-power, effective signal delivery parameters for an implanted pulse generator

A method for programming a spinal cord stimulation system for providing pain relief to a patient, the method comprising:

• (a) configuring a signal generator to deliver a first therapy signal at a first frequency;
• (b) configuring the signal generator to deliver a second therapy signal at a second frequency different than the first,
• (c) for both the first and second signals:
• (i) increasing an amplitude of the signal, over multiple steps, from a baseline amplitude at which the patient has a baseline response;
• (ii) for individual step increases, determining the patient's response to the increased amplitude;
• (iii) decreasing the amplitude over multiple steps;
• and
• (iv) for individual step decreases, determining the patient's response to the decreased amplitude;
• (d) comparing the patient responses to the first therapy signal with the patient responses to the second therapy signal, wherein the patient responses include at least one of a pain score or a value correlated with the patient's pain level;
• and
• (e) based on the patient responses and an expected energy consumption for the first and second therapy signals, selecting one of the first and second therapy signals for additional therapy to the patient.

A spinal cord stimulation system, comprising:

• a signal generator coupleable to a signal delivery device to deliver electrical therapy signals to a patient at a first frequency and a second frequency different than the first;
• and
• a non-transitory computer readable medium programmed with instructions that, when executed:
• for both the first and second signals,
• (i) increase an amplitude of the signal, over multiple steps, from a baseline amplitude at which the patient has a baseline response;
• (ii) at individual step increases, receive a pain score based on the patient's response to the increased amplitude;
• (iii) decrease the amplitude over multiple steps;
• and
• (iv) for individual step decreases, receive a pain score based on the patient's response to the decreased amplitude;
• compare the pain scores corresponding to the first therapy signal to the pain scores corresponding to the second therapy signal;
• and
• based on the pain scores and an expected energy consumption for each of the first and second therapy signals, select one of the first and second therapy signals for additional therapy to the patient.