Method and device for improving cranial nerve function to improve muscle function and thereby overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction

• US 5,360,438 A
• Filed: 01/26/1993
• Issued: 11/01/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mary R. Fisher
• Original Assignee: Mary R. Fisher
• Inventors: Fisher, Mary R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott M.
• Application Number:
  US08/009,495
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 607/53, 607/75, 607/115, 607/1 H
• US Class Current: 607/53
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36031 using physiological parameters for adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36034 specified by the stimulation parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye

Abstract

A method and device for improving cranial nerve function to improve muscle function and thereby overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user includes a voltage source and electrodes positioned on the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and for transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user. A timer is electrically connected to the voltage source and the electrodes for establishing a first predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrodes and a second predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is suppressed.

Claims

1. A method for treating a user to improve muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of the user comprising the steps of:

assessing a base line reading rate for the user;

determining the degree of visual/perceptual dysfunction suffered by the user as a result of the base line reading rate;

establishing an electrical stimulation treatment plan for the user based upon the determined degree of visual/perceptual dysfunction;

placing electrodes on the user proximate a cranial nerve;

connecting a voltage source to the electrodes;

applying a voltage signal to the electrodes in accordance with the established treatment plan thereby causing the electrodes to transmit an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve; and

timing the application of the voltage signal in accordance with the established treatment plan such that the electrical stimulus is transmitted to the cranial nerve for a first period of time and is suppressed for a second period of time.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of reassessing the user'"'"'s base line reading rate periodically during the treatment of the user and adjusting the treatment plan in accordance with the reassessment.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of altering the level of the voltage signal applied depending upon changes in the reading rate of the user.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of altering the timing of the voltage signal applied depending upon changes in the reading rate of the user.

5. A device for improving muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user comprising:

a voltage source;

non-invasive, non-implantable electrode means for being temporarily positioned on the skin surface of the head of the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user to improve cranial nerve function and muscle function and thereby provide enhanced eye movement control and overcome visual dysfunction; and

timing means electrically connected to the voltage source and to the electrode means for establishing a first predetermined period of time within a range of from one second to fifteen seconds in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrode means and a second predetermined period of time within a range of from fifteen seconds to twenty-nine seconds in which the voltage signal is suppressed.

6. A device for improving muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user comprising:

a voltage source;

non-invasive, non-implantable electrode means for being temporarily positioned on the skin surface of the head of the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user to improve cranial nerve function and muscle function and thereby provide enhanced eye movement control and overcome visual dysfunction; and

timing means electrically connected to the voltage source and to the electrode means for establishing a first predetermined period of time of approximately six seconds in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrode means and a second predetermined period of time of approximately twenty-four seconds in which the voltage signal is suppressed.

7. A device for improving muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user comprising:

a voltage source;

non-invasive, non-implantable electrode means for being temporarily positioned on the skin surface of the head of the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal of approximately three volts D.C. from the voltage source and transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user to improve cranial nerve function and muscle function and thereby provide enhanced eye movement control and overcome visual dysfunction; and

timing means electrically connected to the voltage source and to the electrode means for establishing a first predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrode means and a second predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is suppressed.

8. A device for improving muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user comprising:

a voltage source;

non-invasive, non-implantable electrode means for being temporarily positioned on the skin surface of the head of the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user to improve cranial nerve function and muscle function and thereby provide enhanced eye movement control and overcome visual dysfunction;

timing means electrically connected to the voltage source and to the electrode means for establishing a first predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrode means and a second predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is suppressed; and

support means comprising a clip for supporting the electrodes on the bridge of the nose of the user.

9. A device for improving muscle function to overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user comprising:

a voltage source;

non-invasive, non-implantable electrode means for being temporarily positioned on the skin surface of the head of the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user to improve cranial nerve function and muscle function and thereby provide enhanced eye movement control and overcome visual dysfunction;

timing means electrically connected to the voltage source and to the electrode means for establishing a first predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrode means and a second predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is suppressed; and

support means comprising an elastic band for supporting the electrodes on the bridge of the nose of the user.