Occipital neuromodulation
First Claim
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1. A method of neuromodulation for treating chronic pain in a subject, the method comprising the steps of conducting a trial phase followed by a permanent implant, the trial phase comprising the steps of:
- positioning a tip of two temporary leads subcutaneously outside the skull in the occipital region of a subject'"'"'s scalp with the remainder of the leads remaining outside the subject'"'"'s skin, the two temporary leads configured to deliver an electrical signal to an occipital nerve using neuromodulation to alter the release of various neurotransmitters within the brain; and
coupling a programmer to the temporary leads outside the subjects'"'"' skin, the programmer being capable of delivering the electrical signal to the occipital nerve, wherein the electrical signal comprises amplitude between 0.1 mA and 8 mA;
frequency of 6, 12, 18, 24 Hz; and
pulse width between 50 msec and 100 msec;
thereby enabling the subject to adjust the electrical signal to a level such that the subject experiences a decrease in pain over time although not being able to feel the lead being energized.
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Abstract
A method of treating chronic pain in a subject by positioning a lead containing electrodes subcutaneously in the occipital region of a subject'"'"'s skull at the height of an imaginary line connecting the tops of the ears; and energizing the lead with an electrical signal effective to suppress pain, and below the level where the subject can feel the lead being energized. Typically the procedure involves a trial phase and a permanent implant phase. The procedure is known as occipital neuromodulation.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of neuromodulation for treating chronic pain in a subject, the method comprising the steps of conducting a trial phase followed by a permanent implant, the trial phase comprising the steps of:
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positioning a tip of two temporary leads subcutaneously outside the skull in the occipital region of a subject'"'"'s scalp with the remainder of the leads remaining outside the subject'"'"'s skin, the two temporary leads configured to deliver an electrical signal to an occipital nerve using neuromodulation to alter the release of various neurotransmitters within the brain; and coupling a programmer to the temporary leads outside the subjects'"'"' skin, the programmer being capable of delivering the electrical signal to the occipital nerve, wherein the electrical signal comprises amplitude between 0.1 mA and 8 mA;
frequency of 6, 12, 18, 24 Hz; and
pulse width between 50 msec and 100 msec;
thereby enabling the subject to adjust the electrical signal to a level such that the subject experiences a decrease in pain over time although not being able to feel the lead being energized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification