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Method of controlling epilepsy by brain stimulation

  • US 5,752,979 A
  • Filed: 11/01/1996
  • Issued: 05/19/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/01/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of therapeutically treating epilepsy resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of seizures by means of a signal generator and an implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion comprising the steps of:

  • surgically implanting said electrode in the brain so that the stimulation portion lies in the external segment of the globus pallidus nucleus of the brain;

    coupling said proximal end of said electrode to said signal generator; and

    operating said signal generator at a predetermined stimulus repetition rate to facilitate excitation of neurons in the external segment of the globus pallidus which results in an increase in the inhibition of neurons of the subthalamic nucleus to reduce the excitatory input from the subthalamic nucleus to the substantia nigra there by reducing the occurrence of seizures.

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