NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVATION BY VESTIBULAR OR CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION

• US 20100198318A1
• Filed: 02/03/2010
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Scion Neurostim Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Scion Neurostim, LLC
• Inventors: Rogers, Lesco L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,267,984 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/99
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0296 Intervals of heating alternated with intervals of cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/12 Devices for heating or cooling internal body cavities
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 80/00 Products made by additive manufacturing

Abstract

A method of treating a disorder may include positioning a thermoelectric device in the ear canal of a subject and activating the thermoelectric device to deliver caloric vestibular stimulation and/or cranial nerve stimulation effective to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the ear canal may be cooled sufficiently to treat the disorder. In alternative embodiments, the ear canal may be warmed sufficiently to treat the disorder.

Claims

1. A method of treating a subject, comprising:

positioning a thermoelectric device in the ear canal of a subject; and

activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a subject comprises treating a disorder.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said disorder is selected from the group consisting of a migraine headache, Parkinson'"'"'s disease, epilepsy, stroke, cellular ischemia, excitotoxic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, sensory disorders, motor disorders, and cognitive disorders.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of a migraine headache, neuropathic pain, depression, bipolar disorder, Parkinson'"'"'s disease, dementia, excitotoxic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, congenital brain injury, and insomnia.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the disorder is a migraine headache.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises cooling the ear canal of the subject.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 0.5 degree to about 37 degrees Centigrade.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises warming the ear canal of the subject.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the ear canal of the subject is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 11 degrees Centigrade.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the ear canal of the subject is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the ear canal of the subject is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises:

cooling the ear canal of the subject; and

then

warming the ear canal of the subject.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear canal is allowed to return to about ambient temperature before warming the ear canal of the subject.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises:

warming the ear canal of the subject; and

then

cooling the ear canal of the subject.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the ear canal is allowed to return to about ambient temperature before cooling the ear canal of the subject.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises delivering thermal pulses to the ear canal of the subject.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the thermal pulses are one-half second to two seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of one-half second to ten seconds.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the thermal pulses are two to ten seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of ten to thirty seconds.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the thermal pulses are ten seconds to two minutes in duration and are separated by intervals of one to five minutes.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the thermal pulses are about 30 seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of about 3 to about 5 minutes.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein the thermal pulses are about 10 minutes in duration and are separated by intervals of about 1 hour to about 12 hours.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises cyclically altering the temperature profile of the ear canal of the subject.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from one to two minutes.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from two to ten minutes.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from about 1 to about 12 hours.

36. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises stimulating the vestibular system.

37. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises stimulating at least one cranial nerve.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is selected from the group consisting of the vagus nerve, the trigeminal nerve, and the glossopharyngeal nerve.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the vagus nerve.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the trigeminal nerve.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve.

42. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises stimulating the vestibular system and at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is selected from the group consisting of the vagus nerve, the trigeminal nerve, and the glossopharyngeal nerve.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the vagus nerve.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the trigeminal nerve.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve.

47. The method of claim 42, wherein the vestibular system and the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve are stimulated concurrently.

48. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a subject comprises stimulating cognitive enhancement and/or neuroprotection in said subject.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein cognitive enhancement comprises enhanced memory function, enhanced cognitive reserves, increases in attentive capacity, lessened anxiety and/or increased motivation.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein said subject is experiencing mental and/or physical stress as a result of prolonged mental and/or physical exertion.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein said subject is treated prior to receiving general and/or local anesthetic.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said anesthetic is administered as part of a surgical procedure which relates to the brain and/or nervous system of the subject.

53. The method of claim 48, wherein said subject demonstrates one or more indicators of declining cognitive function.

54. The method of claim 48, wherein said subject is suffering from or has recently suffered a potential cardiac infarction and/or stroke.

55. A method of treating a migraine headache in a subject in need thereof, comprising:

positioning a thermoelectric device in the ear canal of a subject; and

activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises cooling the ear canal of the subject.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 0.5 degree to about 37 degrees Centigrade.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

60. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises warming the ear canal of the subject.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the ear canal of the subject is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 11 degrees Centigrade.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the ear canal of the subject is cooled by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

63. The method of claim 60, wherein the ear canal of the subject is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

64. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises:

cooling the ear canal of the subject; and

then

warming the ear canal of the subject.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

69. The method of claim 64, wherein the ear canal is allowed to return to about ambient temperature before warming the ear canal of the subject.

70. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said subject comprises:

warming the ear canal of the subject; and

then

cooling the ear canal of the subject.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 0.5 degree to about 6.5 degrees Centigrade.

72. The method of claim 70, wherein the ear canal is warmed by about 2 to about 4 degrees Centigrade.

73. The method of claim 70, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 7 to about 33 degrees Centigrade.

74. The method of claim 70, wherein the ear canal is cooled by about 17 to about 27 degrees Centigrade.

75. The method of claim 70, wherein the ear canal is allowed to return to about ambient temperature before cooling the ear canal of the subject.

76. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises delivering thermal pulses to the ear canal of the subject.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal pulses are one-half second to two seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of one-half to ten seconds.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal pulses are two to ten seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of ten to thirty seconds.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal pulses are ten seconds to two minutes in duration and are separated by intervals of one to five minutes.

80. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal pulses are about 30 seconds in duration and are separated by intervals of about 3 to about 5 minutes.

81. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal pulses are about 10 minutes in duration and are separated by intervals of about 1 hour to about 12 hours.

82. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises cyclically altering the temperature profile of the ear canal of the subject.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from one minute to two minutes.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from two to ten minutes.

85. The method of claim 82, wherein each cycle of the temperature profile lasts from about 1 hour to about 12 hours.

86. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises stimulating the vestibular system.

87. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises stimulating at least one cranial nerve.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is selected from the group consisting of the vagus nerve, the trigeminal nerve, and the glosspharyngeal nerve.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the vagus nerve.

90. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the trigeminal nerve.

91. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one cranial nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve.

92. The method of claim 88, wherein the vestibular system is not concurrently stimulated.

93. The method of claim 55, wherein activating the thermoelectric device sufficient to treat said migraine headache comprises stimulating the vestibular system and at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is selected from the group consisting of the vagus nerve, the trigeminal nerve, and the glossopharyngeal nerve.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the vagus nerve.

96. The method of claim 93, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the trigeminal nerve.

97. The method of claim 93, wherein the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve.

98. The method of claim 93, wherein the vestibular system and the at least one cranial nerve other than the vestibulocochlear nerve are stimulated concurrently.

99. A method of evaluating brain function in a subject, comprising:

stimulating the subject'"'"'s vestibular system with a thermoelectric device; and

determining whether the subject exhibits horizontal nystagmus.

100. In a method of diagnosing a disorder and/or evaluating brain function in a test subject by creating an image of at least a portion of the brain of said test subject, the improvement comprising:

stimulating the test subject'"'"'s vestibular system with a thermoelectric device prior to or concurrently with creating said image.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein said image is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) image, an ultrasound image, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image, a positron emission tomography (PET) image, an electroencephalography (EEG) image and a magnetoencephalography (MEG) image.

102. The method of claim 100, further comprising:

analyzing brain activity in one or more areas of the test subject'"'"'s brain following stimulation of the test subject'"'"'s vestibular system.

103. The method of claim 102, further comprising:

comparing the brain activity in one or more areas of the test subject'"'"'s brain to the brain activity observed in a healthy control subject that likewise received caloric vestibular stimulation.

104. The method of claim 102, further comprising:

comparing the brain activity in one or more areas of the test subject'"'"'s brain to the brain activity observed in an image of the test subject'"'"'s brain that was taken during a previous testing session in which the test subject'"'"'s vestibular system was stimulated.