Method and apparatus for self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency
First Claim
1. An apparatus for self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency, such as that which is symptomatic of carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising:
- (a) a power source;
(b) a stimulator circuit configured for coupling to a first electrode at a first contact position on the skin of the user and for generating an electrical pulse from said power source at a selectable time;
(c) a sense circuit configured for coupling to a second electrode at a second contact position on the skin of the user and for detecting the nerve response associated with the electrical pulse generated by the stimulator circuit as it arrives proximal to said second contact position;
(d) a timer circuit configured for recording the time interval between the generation of the electrical pulse by the stimulator circuit and the arrival of the pulse response within the sense circuit; and
(e) a display circuit operatively coupled to said timer and configured for displaying the time interval as recorded by the timer circuit.
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Abstract
A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user/operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.
47 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency, such as that which is symptomatic of carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising:
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(a) a power source; (b) a stimulator circuit configured for coupling to a first electrode at a first contact position on the skin of the user and for generating an electrical pulse from said power source at a selectable time; (c) a sense circuit configured for coupling to a second electrode at a second contact position on the skin of the user and for detecting the nerve response associated with the electrical pulse generated by the stimulator circuit as it arrives proximal to said second contact position; (d) a timer circuit configured for recording the time interval between the generation of the electrical pulse by the stimulator circuit and the arrival of the pulse response within the sense circuit; and (e) a display circuit operatively coupled to said timer and configured for displaying the time interval as recorded by the timer circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification