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:
- a. surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient;
b. coupling the sensor to the signal generator;
c. 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
d. sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal;
e. detecting from the sensor signal a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and
f. in response to a detected possible seizure onset, stimulating the neural tissue with the electrode to generate a sensory stimulus to the body.
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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
384 Citations
56 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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a. surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient;
b. coupling the sensor to the signal generator;
c. 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
d. sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal;
e. detecting from the sensor signal a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and
f. in response to a detected possible seizure onset, 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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a. a sensor capable of generating a sensing signal;
b. a signal processor coupled to receive the sensing signal, to process the signal, and to detect a pattern indicating the possible onset of a seizure, a signal generator for generating a stimulation signal in response to an indication by the signal processor; and
d. at least one electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the proximal end being coupled to receive the stimulation signal, the stimulation portion coupled to stimulate neural tissue to deliver a sensory stimulus to the body. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. 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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a. implanting the electrode in a body of a patient, coupling the proximal end to the signal generator, and positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with neural tissue within the body;
b. positioning a sensor to sense a characteristic of the body;
c. sensing a parameter of the body and generating a sensing signal;
d. providing the sensing signal to the signal generator to generate a therapy signal based on the sensing signal; and
e. periodically stimulating the neural tissue to generate a sensory stimulus based on the therapy signal. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. The method of preventing the onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. positioning the sensor to sense a condition of a patient'"'"'s body;
b. positioning the stimulation portion of the electrode to be in communication with neural tissue of the body c. coupling the sensor and the proximal end of electrode to the signal generator; and
d. sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal;
e. processing the sensing signal by the signal generator to detect a pattern indicative of a seizure onset; and
f. 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 (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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Specification