METHODS FOR TARGETING DEEP BRAIN SITES TO TREAT MOOD AND/OR ANXIETY DISORDERS
First Claim
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1. A method of identifying a region of the brain comprising the steps of:
- presenting to the patient a stimulus to alter neuronal activity in a target area selected from the group consisting of subgenual area, internal capsule, anterior cingulate, nucleus accumbens or a combination thereof;
measuring neuronal activity by measuring the activity from at least one implanted electrode in response to the stimulus; and
analyzing the neuronal activity in which an alteration of the neuronal activity in response to the stimuli identifies the brain region within the target area.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of identifying a target such as within the subgenual area by measuring neuronal activity in response to a stimulus. Once the target is identified, it can be stimulated to treat a neurological disorder, such as a mood disorder or an anxiety disorder.
111 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of identifying a region of the brain comprising the steps of:
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presenting to the patient a stimulus to alter neuronal activity in a target area selected from the group consisting of subgenual area, internal capsule, anterior cingulate, nucleus accumbens or a combination thereof; measuring neuronal activity by measuring the activity from at least one implanted electrode in response to the stimulus; and analyzing the neuronal activity in which an alteration of the neuronal activity in response to the stimuli identifies the brain region within the target area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of improving at least one symptom in an individual suspected of having a mood and/or anxiety disorder, comprising:
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measuring neuronal activity by measuring the activity from at least one implanted electrode, wherein the neuronal activity is in response to an emotional stimuli; analyzing the neuronal activity in which an alteration of the neuronal activity in identifies a pathological region; and stimulating the identified pathological region, thereby improving at least one symptom in the individual.
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14. The method of claim 14, wherein the electrode is implanted in the subgenual area.
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15. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrode is implanted about 20 to about 40 mm anterior to the anterior commisure.
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16. A method of treating depression in a patient, comprising:
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identifying an approximate location of the subgenual area of the patient utilizing neuronal activity evoked by emotional stimuli; implanting a stimulation lead within the patient such that at least one electrode of the lead is near or adjacent to the identified location; generating electrical pulses using an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that is implanted within the patient; conducting the electrical pulses from the IPG through a stimulation lead; and applying the electrical pulses to stimulate neural tissue of the subgenual area of the patient utilizing the at least one electrode of the stimulation lead, wherein the applying the electrical pulses effectively treats the depression of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification