Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, speech deficit or language deficit.

A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is still enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can modulate the intensity of a neural stimulation signal over time. A pulse generator can be configured to generate a stimulation signal for application to neural tissue of an individual and modulate a parameter related to intensity of a pattern of pulses of the stimulation signal over time. An electrode can be coupled to the pulse generator and configured to apply the stimulation signal to the neural tissue. A population of axons in the neural tissue can be recruited with each pulse of the stimulation signal.

A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

An electrical stimulation system that provides for transtympanic stimulation of the inner ear that can be used for safely and effectively treating tinnitus. The electrical stimulation system of the present invention may be fully implantable or partially implantable. The system features an electrode placed on the round window membrane. An external portion provides the power to the electrode, which can stimulate the inner ear via the round window as needed by the patient. The present invention also features methods of treating tinnitus using the electrical stimulation system described herein.

Disclosed is a device for modulating a nerve of a patient by applying electrical stimulation to the nerve of the patient. The device includes a stimulation module that applies a signal to the nerve of the patient, and a controller that controls a signal to be applied to the stimulation module, wherein the signal to be applied to the stimulation module includes pulse bursts and a direct current (DC) waveform.

Presented herein are techniques for initiating a night-time mode of operation in an implantable hearing prosthesis in response to detection of night-time recharging operations. More specifically, an implantable hearing prosthesis comprises a rechargeable battery that is configured to be recharged via an external night-time charging device, such as a pillow charger. The implantable hearing prosthesis is configured to detect inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the external night-time charging device. In response, the implantable hearing prosthesis is switched to a night-time mode of operation.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can modulate the intensity of a neural stimulation signal over time. A pulse generator can be configured to generate a stimulation signal for application to neural tissue of an individual and modulate a parameter related to intensity of a pattern of pulses of the stimulation signal over time. An electrode can be coupled to the pulse generator and configured to apply the stimulation signal to the neural tissue. A population of axons in the neural tissue can be recruited with each pulse of the stimulation signal.

A mismatch in curvature of an electrode lead section may create unexpected and/or unpredictable electrical resistance with underlying tissue. In addition, repeated movement of the relevant areas of the body may even worsen the mismatch. Implants for electrical stimulation require low electrical resistance conductors for stimulation electrodes, return electrodes and interconnections which conventionally use metal for wires and contacts. These conductors reduce the flexibility, and the problem becomes worse as the number of electrodes increases.

An implantable stimulation device is provided with an elongated substrate, one or more interconnections, a flexible electrode with two portions, separated by one or more bending interruptions, wherein the first portion and second portion are in direct electrical connection through the one or more interconnections.

The electrode portions on opposite sides of the bending points are electrically connected allowing the mechanical bending and the electrical connections to be optimized separately.

In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when post activity stimulation is not applied.