Adaptive electric field modulation of neural systems
First Claim
1. A method of treating epilepsy in the brain of a patient in need thereof, comprising:
- measuring changes in neuronal activity in said brain within a time period, applying adaptively, in response to said measured changes in neuronal activity in said brain, a sub-threshold and oriented electric field to the brain of a patient having epilepsy in an amount effective to reduce epileptiform activity of tbe brain, wherein the electric field is applied through field eLectrodes located in a geometrical arrangement to produce said field in said brain, and the magnitude and polarity of said electric field are changed continuously in response to the measured changes in neuronal activity within said time period.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to devices and methods of modifying the neuronal activity of a neural system comprising neurons, comprising, one or more of the following steps, measuring the neuronal activity of a neural system; and applying an oriented electric field to the neural system effective to modify the neuronal activity of the neural system, wherein the magnitude and polarity of the applied electric field is changed in response to the measured neuronal activity. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for treating brain disorders, such as epilepsy and Parkinson'"'"'s disease, comprising, one or more of the following steps, applying a sub-threshold and oriented electric field in situ to the brain of a patient having such a disorder in an amount effective to reduce the abnormal activity of the brain, wherein the electric field is applied through field electrodes in contact with the brain. The present invention also relates to methods and devices for restoring or repairing a brain function, such as sensation (e.g., taste, or smell), somatic activity, auditory activity, visual activity, or motor activity. It can also be used for testing drugs, pharmacological agents, and other modulators of neuronal function.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of treating epilepsy in the brain of a patient in need thereof, comprising:
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measuring changes in neuronal activity in said brain within a time period, applying adaptively, in response to said measured changes in neuronal activity in said brain, a sub-threshold and oriented electric field to the brain of a patient having epilepsy in an amount effective to reduce epileptiform activity of tbe brain, wherein the electric field is applied through field eLectrodes located in a geometrical arrangement to produce said field in said brain, and the magnitude and polarity of said electric field are changed continuously in response to the measured changes in neuronal activity within said time period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of treating Parkinson'"'"'s disease in a patient in need thereof, comprising:
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applying adaptively, in response to tremors, rigidity, or difficulty in initiating movement, a sub-threshold and oriented electric field to the brain of a patient having Parkinson'"'"'s disease in an amount effective to reduce said tremors, rigidity, or difficulty in initiating movement, wherein the electric field is applied through field electrodes in contact with the brain, and the magnitude and polarity of said electric field are changed continuously in response to said tremors, rigidity, or difficulty in initiating movement within a time period.
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Specification