Implantable seizure warning system
First Claim
1. A method of warning a patient of a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
- surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient;
coupling the sensor to the signal generator;
surgically implanting the electrode in the body, coupling the proximal end to the signal generator, and positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with neural tissue within the body; and
sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal;
processing the sensing signal by a pattern recognition means for recognizing a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and
if the pattern is recognized, stimulating the neural tissue with the electrode to generate a sensory stimulus to the body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques for warning a patient of a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode. The electrodes are positioned to stimulate the spinal cord or under the skin. The sensor senses a parameter of the body indicative of the possible onset of a seizure. The sensor generates a sensing signal which is processed and an algorithm is utilized to determine whether the sensing signal shows a pattern indicative of a possible seizure onset. If such a pattern is recognized, the signal generator provides electrical stimulation via electrodes to generate a sensory stimulus to the body. The stimulation may provide visual, aural or touch stimulus to the patient. The patient is thereby alerted to the possibility of a seizure onset and may take appropriate action.
491 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of warning a patient of a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
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surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient; coupling the sensor to the signal generator; surgically implanting the electrode in the body, coupling the proximal end to the signal generator, and positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with neural tissue within the body; and sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal; processing the sensing signal by a pattern recognition means for recognizing a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and if the pattern is recognized, stimulating the neural tissue with the electrode to generate a sensory stimulus to the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for warning a patient of a possible onset of a seizure comprising:
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an implantable sensor capable of generating a sensing signal; a signal processor coupled to receive the sensing signal and having means for signal processing, means for pattern recognition indicating the possible onset of a seizure, and a signal generator for generating a stimulation signal; and at least one electrode having a proximal end and stimulation portion, the proximal end being coupled to receive the stimulation signal, the stimulation portion coupled to stimulate neural tissue for delivering a sensory stimulus to the body. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of warning a patient of a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
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surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient; sensing a parameter of the body and generating a sensing signal; coupling the signal generator to receive the sensing signal and to generate a therapy signal based on the sensing signal; surgically implanting the electrode in the body, coupling the proximal end to receive the therapy signal, and positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with neural tissue within the body; and periodically stimulating the neural tissue to generate a sensory stimulus based on the therapy signal.
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27. A method of preventing the onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
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surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient; coupling the sensor to the signal generator; surgically implanting the electrode in the body, coupling the proximal end to the signal generator, and positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with neural tissue within the body; and sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal; processing the sensing signal by the signal generator to recognize a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and if the pattern is recognized, providing a sensory stimulus to the neural tissue with the electrode to responsively initiate desynchronization of neural activity. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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Specification