Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient
First Claim
1. A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient, comprising:
- selecting a stimulation site on the cortex of the brain of the patient by a) generating neural activity by having the patient perform a neural-function task; and
b) selecting areas of the brain having the highest intensity or greatest alteration in neural activity during or after the task;
positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site; and
applying electrical stimulation directly to the stimulation site via the electrode.
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Abstract
Disclosed are several apparatuses and methods for applying intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or enhance the neural function of the patient. In accordance with the invention, intracranial electrical stimulation can be administered to treat brain damage, brain disease, and/or brain disorders. Additionally the intracranial electrical stimulation can be applied to a normal healthy brain to enhance neural-function or control sensory functions. The electrical stimulation site(s) of the brain are located where neuroplasticity is occurring, expected to occur, or in a region where neuroplasticity is not occurring. The intracranial stimulation is expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity by applying subthreshold stimulation to the increasing the resting membrane potential of the neurons at the stimulation site.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient, comprising:
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selecting a stimulation site on the cortex of the brain of the patient by a) generating neural activity by having the patient perform a neural-function task; and
b) selecting areas of the brain having the highest intensity or greatest alteration in neural activity during or after the task;positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site; and applying electrical stimulation directly to the stimulation site via the electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient, comprising:
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selecting a stimulation site on the cortex of the brain of the patient by a) generating neural activity by having the patient perform a neural-function task; and
b) selecting areas of the brain having highest intensity or greatest alteration in the neural activity during or after the neural-function task;positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site such that the at least first electrode is positioned under the skull and on the dura directly over the stimulation site; and applying electrical stimulation directly to the stimulation site via the at least first electrode. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of treating depression or a mood disorder in a patient, comprising:
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selecting a stimulation site on the cortex of the brain of the patient by a) generating neural activity by having the patient perform a neural-function task; and
b) selecting areas of the brain having highest intensity or greatest alteration in the neural activity during or after the neural-function task; andapplying electrical stimulation directly to the stimulation site via at least one electrode to treat the depression, wherein the at least one electrode is positioned under the skull and on the dura directly over the stimulation site.
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Specification