Apparatus and method for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve

• US 6,954,668 B1
• Filed: 10/11/2001
• Issued: 10/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Francis P. Cuozzo
• Original Assignee: John W. Cuozzo
• Inventors: Cuozzo, John W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaetzle, Kennedy
• Application Number:
  US09/975,501
• Time in Patent Office: 1,461 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45, 607/1, 607/2, 607/51, 607/63, 607/115, 607/116, 607/134, 607/149, 607/47, 128/898, 600/26
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0548 Oral electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36078 Inducing or controlling sleep or relaxation non-implantable stimulator A61M21/00

Abstract

An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve includes an energy source that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve and an attachment portion to secure the energy source in a mouth in proximity to the tooth. Stimulating the trigeminal nerve in this manner has been experimentally shown to induce and/or enhance relaxation and/or sleep without the adverse side effects associated with traditional drug therapies. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be realized as a “cap” having two legs that engage opposing sides of a tooth and a bridge portion spanning the occlusal surface of the tooth to link the legs.

Claims

1. An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:

a transducer that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve;

a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer;

an attachment portion to secure said transducer in a mouth in proximity to the tooth; and

a timer that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following a selected interval of provision of said electrical signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said transducer comprises a wire coil.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, said attachment portion comprising:

a first leg to which said energy source is attached;

a second leg; and

a bridge portion spanning a width of the tooth to link said first leg and said second leg.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said bridge portion includes at least one wire to secure the apparatus about a crown of the tooth.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said bridge portion includes means for covering an occlusal surface of a crown of the tooth.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion is at least partially formed of acrylic.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion removably secures said electrical transducer in contact with enamel of the tooth.

8. A method of stimulating the trigeminal nerve, said method comprising:

within a mouth, removably securing an energy source it proximity to a tooth;

imparting energy to enamel of the tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve utilizing energy source; and

thereafter, automatically discontinuing impartation of energy to said enamel after a selected interval.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said energy source comprises a transducer, said method further comprising coupling the transducer to an time-varying signal source that provides an electrical signal to the transducer.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of imparting energy to enamel of a toot comprises imparting electromagnetic energy to the enamel of the tooth.

11. An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:

a transducer that imparts energy to an oral tissue to stimulate the trigeminal nerve;

an oral appliance supporting said transducer;

a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer; and

a metering device that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following provision of a selected quantum of said electrical signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said transducer comprises a wire coil.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said oral appliance comprises a dental appliance.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said metering device comprises a timing device.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said time-varying signal source comprises an oscillator.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, the oral appliance including an attachment portion for removably securing said transducer in proximity to a tooth.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, said attachment portion comprising:

a first leg to which said transducer is attached;

a second leg, and

a bridge portion spanning a width of the tooth to link said first leg and said second leg.