Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation via vestibular stimulation are described. One example is a device for administering thermal stimulation to an ear canal of a subject. The device may include an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the subject; a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece and configured to heat and/or cool the earpiece to thereby heat and/or cool the ear canal of the subject; and a controller configured to administer a selected treatment plan including administering a caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) stimulus to the ear canal of the subject in a condition-treatment effective amount during a first treatment interval. The treatment plan may be effective to produce a durable improvement in at least one symptom of the condition for a time of at least 1 week following cessation of the administering.

A multi-purpose wearable patch includes a stretchable and permeable substrate, a first sensing unit mounted in the stretchable and permeable substrate, the sensing unit that can conduct a first measurement of a user to produce a first measurement signal, a treatment unit that produces a first treatment field in the user's body; a circuit electrically connected with the treatment unit and the sensing unit; and a semiconductor chip in connection with the circuit and configured to receive the first measurement signal from the sensing unit. The semiconductor chip produces a first treatment control signal to control the treatment unit to produce a first treatment field in the user's body.

A facial temperature pack holder may comprise a housing shaped similarly to earmuffs, wherein the housing has a top portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, and wherein the housing provides for one or more of a top pocket, a first side pocket, and a second side pocket, and wherein one or more of the top pocket, first side pocket, and/or second side pocket are configured to contain at least one temperature pack. The present invention may also provide for at least one flexible connection fixedly connected to the top portion and one or more of the first side portion and/or the second side portion. The present invention may further comprise an interior surface or lining that may be configured to impart pleasing tactile properties. The present invention may also provide for one or more elements of webbing that may line one or more outside edges of the housing.

An assembly 100 to provide thermal therapy to a human auditory system includes a thermal transducer 125, a stimulus transducer 120, 135, a receiver 130, and a processing device 145. Some or all of the individual components may be carried in headwear. The thermal transducer 125 applies hypothermic temperature conditions to an area of the head near an ear. The stimulus transducer 120, 135 applies a stimulus signal, and the receiver 130 detects otoacoustic emission (OAE) responsive to the stimulus signal. The processor 145 compares the received OAE signal to a reference. Discrepancy between the OAE and reference is used in a feedback loop to control operation of the system 100.

A device to change the temperature of a localized volume of material. One device includes at least one heat transfer mechanism having a conformable external surface for direct contact with a surface of the material. A working fluid is directed by input and output conduits to contact an internal surface of the heat transfer mechanism. A wall of the heat transfer mechanism exchanges heat between the working fluid and the material. Temperature of the working fluid may be regulated by a thermal control system disposed at a remote location. An optional temperature sensing element may monitor a local temperature of the heat transfer mechanism or otherwise infer a temperature of a portion of the material. Portions of certain devices may be deformed to a desired device shape.

Therapeutic application of mild to moderate hypothermia in a medical procedure has been found to provide benefits to patients. For example, application of mild hypothermia in the auditory pathway can prevent functional hearing loss post cochlear implant surgery. Devices have been conceived and reduced to practice that apply localized cooling to a small area such as the basal or middle turn of the cochlea. The devices include a cooling tip with at least one thermo-conductive surface. A heat-transporting fluid is circulated through the cooling tip. After absorbing heat, the heat-transporting fluid may be controllably cooled with a thermoelectric cooling device.

An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

A heat transfer device particularly structured for application of thermal therapy from a contact surface to a human ear. A device may be passive (pre-cooled), active (thermoelectrically active), or include elements of both. A device may be structured to apply thermal treatment from a contact surface of a contact cavity only to a localized posterior area relative to the circumference of an ear. Preferably, a device provides an uninterrupted opening extending in a line-of-sight between an ear canal and the local environment. A device may include both of a contact cavity and a bulk cavity, with heat transfer media disposed in each cavity. Typically, a bulk cavity holds at least twice the media volume contained in a contact cavity. The cavities may be disposed in fluid communication, or separated by a barrier to permit only thermal communication there-between. When a barrier is present, a device may include different heat transfer media in each cavity. One or more device may be associated with various mounting structure to dispose a contact surface in contact with desired portion(s) of a head.

A method and apparatus for diagnosing and/or treating mood disorders, such as depression, is provided. Right vestibular function in subjects diagnosed with a mood disorder is diminished compared with subjects who do not have a mood disorder. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for determining right vestibular function in a subject is provided, from which a diagnosis of a mood disorder may be determined. Stimulation of the vestibular system of a subject diagnosed with a mood disorder may reduce symptoms of the mood disorder in the subject. A method and apparatus for registering a subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system and providing therapeutic vestibular stimulation based on the subject's response is provided. A subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system may be based on measurements of nystagmus in the subject.

Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation via vestibular stimulation are described. One example is a device for administering thermal stimulation to an ear canal of a subject. The device may include an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the subject; a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece and configured to heat and/or cool the earpiece to thereby heat and/or cool the ear canal of the subject; and a controller configured to administer a selected treatment plan including administering a caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) stimulus to the ear canal of the subject in a condition-treatment effective amount during a first treatment interval. The treatment plan may be effective to produce a durable improvement in at least one symptom of the condition for a time of at least 1 week following cessation of the administering.