Methods for Treating Central Pain Syndrome and Other Pain Related Pathologies

• US 20100204751A1
• Filed: 02/04/2010
• Published: 08/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore County (University of Maryland)
• Original Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore County (University of Maryland)
• Inventors: Keller, Asaf, Masri, Radi, Quiton, Raimi
• Granted Patent: US 8,396,558 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

Central pain syndrome (CPS) is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of patients with a primary lesion or dysfunction in the central nervous system. Despite its discovery over a century ago, the pathophysiology underlying the development and maintenance of CPS is poorly understood. The present invention is drawn to novel methods of treating CPS. In certain aspects, the invention is drawn to the novel discovery of the role of the zona incerta (ZI) in CPS and methods of exploiting this novel discovery for the treatment of CPS.

Claims

1. A method of treating a symptom of central pain syndrome (CPS) in an individual in need thereof comprising stimulating a region of the brain wherein said region comprises the zona inertia (ZI).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said region of the brain consists of the ZI.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating a region of the brain is accomplished by electrical stimulation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein electrical stimulation is performed either transcranially or subcranially.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein electrical stimulation is performed subcranially.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein electrical stimulation that is performed subcranially is achieved by an electrode implanted adjacent to or directly in the ZI.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at an intensity of 5 μ

A to 1 mA.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at a frequency of 50 Hz and an intensity of 25 μ

A.

10. A method of treating a hyperalgesia in an individual in need thereof comprising stimulating a region of the brain whereby said region comprises the zona incertia (ZI).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said region of the brain consists of the ZI.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein stimulating a region of the brain is accomplished by electrical stimulation.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein electrical stimulation is performed either transcranially or subcranially.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein electrical stimulation is performed subcranially.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein electrical stimulation that is performed subcranially is achieved by an electrode implanted adjacent to or directly in the ZI.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at an intensity of 5 μ

A to 1 mA.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein electrical stimulation is applied at a frequency of 50 Hz and an intensity of 25 μ

A.