Microcurrent and cranial electrotherapy stimulator for control of anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain

• US 8,612,008 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2009
• Issued: 12/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Electromedical Products International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Electromedical Products International, Inc.
• Inventors: Kirsch, Daniel L., Chan, Sai Cheong
• Primary Examiner(s): Koharski, Christopher D
• Assistant Examiner(s): VOORHEES, CATHERINE M
• Application Number:
  US12/588,647
• Publication Number:
  US 20100145410A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,517 Days
• Field of Search: 607/2, 607/63, 607 45- 46, 607/23
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36025 for treating a mental or cerebral condition

Abstract

A device for controlling anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain utilizing a microcurrent and cranial electrotherapy stimulation. The device could also be utilized to treat other types of stress-related disorders. A relatively low level current having a particular frequency is produced by the device in two channels wherein the current for both of the channels can be different. Electrodes are placed at various points of the patient'"'"'s body to relieve pain. When utilized to control anxiety, insomnia and depression, a single channel is produced which is applied to the patient'"'"'s ear lobes by two ear clips.

Claims

1. An electromedical device for producing electrical waveforms to be introduced into an individual'"'"'s body for treating pain, anxiety, insomnia and depression, comprising:

a first waveform generator producing a first electrical waveform having a current and frequency said first electrical waveform including a series of positive and negative pulses and a series of positive and negative spikes, each of said positive pulses directly following a positive spike, and each of said negative pulses directly following a negative spike, wherein said first electrical waveform pierces the skin resistance to drive said positive and negative pulses into the individual'"'"'s body;

first and second electrodes in communication with said waveform generator for contact with the individual'"'"'s skin, thereby introducing said electrical waveform into the individual'"'"'s body for transmission to the individual'"'"'s brain;

a device for setting the frequency of said first electrical waveform; and

a device for setting the current of said first electrical waveform,

wherein, applying said electrical waveform to the body of the individual would treat pain, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

2. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second electrodes are ear clip electrodes applied to the ear lobes of the individual.

3. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first electrical waveform has a current less than 500 microamperes, and said first and second electrodes are applied to the individual'"'"'s body, whereby anxiety, insomnia and depression are treated.

4. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, further including a second waveform generator producing a second electrical waveform, said second electrical waveform including a series of positive and negative pulses and a series of positive and negative spikes, each positive pulses directly following a positive spike, and each negative pulses directly following a negative spike, said second waveform generator provided with a device for setting the frequency of said second electrical waveform, and a device for setting the current of said second electrical waveform, wherein said first electrical waveform is connected to said first electrode and said second electrical waveform is unequal in frequency and/or current from said first electrical waveform, said second electrical waveform connected to said second electrode, wherein said second electrical waveform pierces the skin resistance to drive said positive and negative pulses into the individual'"'"'s body.

5. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a current sensing resister and voltmeter provided between said first waveform generator and said first and second electrodes for sensing whether either or both of said electrodes are not in contact with the skin of the individual during operation of the device.

6. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 5, further including a display for indicating that one or both of said first and second electrodes are not in contact with the skin.

7. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, including a timer for setting a treatment timer, said timer including a visual display.

8. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 4, wherein both of said first and second electrical, waveforms have a frequency of 0.5 HZ.

9. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of said first and second waveforms have a current of less than 600 microamperes to treat pain, and wherein each of said first and second electrodes are applied to the body below the neck.

10. The electromedical device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first electrical waveform has a current less than 600 microamperes, and said first and second electrodes are applied to the individual'"'"'s body below the neck, whereby pain is treated.