Method for neurostimulation for pain alleviation

• US 5,593,432 A
• Filed: 06/23/1993
• Issued: 01/14/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Neuroware Therapy International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Neuroware Therapy International Incorporated
• Inventors: Crowther, deceased, Gordon H., Younce, executor, by Donn
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott M.
• Application Number:
  US08/081,977
• Time in Patent Office: 1,301 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45, 607/46, 607/72, 607/76, 607/58
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36034 specified by the stimulation parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36089 Addiction or withdrawal from substance abuse such as alcohol or drugs

Abstract

A method and apparatus for alleviating pain and the symptoms of withdrawal of a patient during detoxification. The apparatus generates and applies to the patient'"'"'s mastoid processes a multiplicity of current controlled electrical pulses comprised of generally square waves having a pulse width of about 200 microseconds. The pulse repetition rate varies between about 10 and 2000 Hertz and programmed treatment spans periods of up to ten days.

Claims

1. A method of alleviating pain and the symptoms of withdrawal of a patient during detoxification, comprising sequentially applying a multiplicity of electrical pulses to the patient'"'"'s mastoid processes at a pulse repetition rate of between about 10 Hertz and about 300 Hertz, said electrical pulses being current controlled and being comprised of generally square waves having a pulse width of between approximately 100 and 300 microseconds, said electrical pulses being applied intermittently for about four days as follows:

(a) for two days and 23 hours at a frequency of 90 Hertz;

(b) for about 1 hour at a frequency of 300 Hertz;

(c) for about 22 hours at a frequency of 90 Hertz; and

(d) for about 2 hours at a frequency of 300 Hertz.

2. A method of alleviating pain and the symptoms of withdrawal of a patient during detoxification, comprising sequentially applying a multiplicity of electrical pulses to the patient'"'"'s mastoid processes at a pulse repetition rate of between about 10 Hertz and about 300 Hertz, said electrical pulses being current controlled and being comprised of generally square waves having a pulse width of between approximately 100 and 300 microseconds, said electrical pulses being applied intermittently as follows:

(a) for a first period of at least one day at a frequency of 90 Hertz;

(b) for a second period substantially less than said first period at a frequency of 300 Hertz;

(c) for a third period of at least three hours at a frequency of 90 Hertz; and

(d) for a fourth period less than said third period at a frequency of 300 Hertz.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 in which said first period is greater than two days;

said second period is less than one day;

said third period is less than one day, but greater than said second period; and

said fourth period is less than said third period.