Stimulation methods and systems for treating an auditory dysfunction

• US 9,358,393 B1
• Filed: 11/09/2005
• Issued: 06/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Andres M. Lozano
• Original Assignee: Andres M. Lozano
• Inventors: Lozano, Andres M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lavert, Nicole F
• Application Number:
  US11/271,126
• Time in Patent Office: 3,863 Days
• Field of Search: 607/55, 607/57, 600/372
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0541 Cochlear electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36038 Cochlear stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3606 adapted for a particular treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36096 Mood disorders, e.g. depression, anxiety or panic disorder
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/361 Phantom sensations, e.g. tinnitus
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36132 using patient feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula

Abstract

Methods of treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation. Systems for treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include an implanted stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation.

Claims

1. A method of treating an auditory dysfunction, said method comprising:

applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters to treat said auditory dysfunction;

wherein said auditory dysfunction comprises at least one or more of auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and phonophobia;

wherein said stimulation site comprises at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation; and

wherein said stimulation site comprises a cochlear nucleus.

2. A method of treating an auditory dysfunction, said method comprising:

applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters to treat said auditory dysfunction;

wherein said auditory dysfunction comprises at least one or more of auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and phonophobia;

wherein said stimulation site comprises at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation; and

wherein said stimulation site comprises an auditory striae.

3. A method of treating an auditory dysfunction, said method comprising:

applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters to treat said auditory dysfunction;

wherein said auditory dysfunction comprises at least one or more of auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and phonophobia;

wherein said stimulation site comprises at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation; and

wherein said stimulation site comprises an auditory radiation.