Method and apparatus for treating seizure disorders by stimulating the olfactory senses
First Claim
1. A method of preventing the onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator, a signal processor and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
- surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient;
coupling the sensor to the signal generator;
surgically implanting the electrode in the body;
positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with the olfactory sensory nervous tissue within the body;
sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal in response thereto;
processing the sensing signal by the signal generator to recognize a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and
providing, in response to the pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure being recognized, a sensory stimulus of variable pulse width, amplitude or frequency to the olfactory sensory nervous tissue with the electrode to responsively initiate desynchronization of neural activity.
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Abstract
The present invention discloses techniques for preventing a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode. The electrodes are positioned to stimulate the olfactory nervous system. The sensor senses a parameter of the body indicative of the possible onset of a seizure. The sensor generates a sensing signal which is processed and an algorithm is utilized to determine whether the sensing signal shows a pattern indicative of a possible seizure onset. If such a pattern is recognized, the signal generator provides electrical stimulation via electrodes to generate an olfactory sensory stimulus. The patient is thereby alerted, the electrical activity of the brain is desynchronized and the likelihood of a seizure occurring is reduced.
284 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of preventing the onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator, a signal processor and at least one implantable electrode having a proximal end and a stimulation portion, the method comprising the steps of:
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surgically implanting the sensor within a body of a patient;
coupling the sensor to the signal generator;
surgically implanting the electrode in the body;
positioning the stimulation portion to be in communication with the olfactory sensory nervous tissue within the body;
sensing a parameter of the body with the sensor and generating a sensing signal in response thereto;
processing the sensing signal by the signal generator to recognize a pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure; and
providing, in response to the pattern indicative of the onset of a seizure being recognized, a sensory stimulus of variable pulse width, amplitude or frequency to the olfactory sensory nervous tissue with the electrode to responsively initiate desynchronization of neural activity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of treating epilepsy comprising the steps of:
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placing electrodes in olfactory sensory nervous tissue;
sensing a parameter of the body;
generating a signal in response thereto and forwarding the signal to the electrodes;
determining whether the sensed signal indicates that there exists a risk of a seizure onset;
directing the electrodes to provide electrical stimulation of variable pulse width, amplitude or frequency to olfactory sensory nervous tissue to abort the onset of a seizure in response to a determination that there is a risk of a seizure onset. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of treating epilepsy comprising the step of:
applying an electrical sensory stimulus signal of variable pulse width, amplitude or frequency to olfactory sensory nervous tissue. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A device to prevent the onset of a seizure in a person comprising:
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a sensing system for detecting the impending onset of a seizure;
a therapy delivery system, responsive to the sensing system, for delivering electrical sensory stimulation of variable pulse width, amplitude or frequency to the olfactory sensory system of the person. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification