Vagus nerve stimulation for chronic intractable hiccups

• US 20060282121A1
• Filed: 04/24/2006
• Published: 12/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bryan R. Payne, Robert L. Tiel
• Original Assignee: Bryan R. Payne, Robert L. Tiel
• Inventors: Tiel, Robert L., Payne, Bryan R.
• Application Number:
  US11/410,860
• Publication Number:
  US 20060282121A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence

Abstract

Intractable hiccups are debilitating and are usually a result of underlying disease. A method of treating chronic hiccups is provided, comprising the steps of applying a peripheral nerve stimulator to the vagus nerve at a predetermined frequency, pulse width, amplitude, and duration; monitoring the occurrence of hiccups in response to said stimulation; and adjusting said frequency, pulse width, amplitude, and duration to reduce the occurrence of said hiccups. The vagus nerve stimulation methods disclosed herein have provided complete resolution to date with a patient with intractable hiccups occurring after a posterior fossa stroke.

Claims

1. A method of treating chronic hiccups, comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a peripheral nerve stimulator to the vagus nerve at a predetermined frequency, pulse width, amplitude, and duration;

(b) monitoring the occurrence of hiccups in response to said stimulation; and

(c) adjusting said frequency, pulse width, amplitude, and duration to reduce the occurrence of said hiccups.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said frequency is between 10 and 20 hertz.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said pulse width is between 500 microseconds and 1000 microseconds.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said amplitude is between 1.0 and 2.0 milliamps.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said duration is between 1 and 60 seconds.