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.

A neural stimulus comprises at least three stimulus components, each comprising at least one of a temporal stimulus phase and a spatial stimulus pole. A first stimulus component delivers a first charge which is unequal to a third charge delivered by a third stimulus component, and the first charge and third charge are selected so as to give rise to reduced artefact at recording electrodes. In turn this may be exploited to independently control a correlation delay of a vector detector and an artefact vector to be non-parallel or orthogonal.

Vagal nerve stimulation devices and methods are provided for treating medical conditions, such as conditions associated with insufficient dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in the brain. A device includes one or more electrodes having a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and an energy source coupled to the electrodes. The energy source generates one or more electrical impulses and transmits the electrical impulses to the electrodes and transcutaneously through the outer skin surface of the patient at or near a vagus nerve. The one or more electrical impulses is sufficient to modulate the vagus nerve and release dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in a brain of the patient.

The present invention relates to methods that enable one to design temporal patterns for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to design improved stimulation patterns and/or genetic algorithms for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a model-based design to achieve a more optimal stimulation pattern for use in connection with a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue (e.g., a human nervous system). In another embodiment, the model-based design of the present invention utilizes a systematic search method to identify parameters (e.g., design variables) that minimize a cost function (e.g., optimize the fitness of a particular design). In one instance, the system and method of the present invention is demonstrated via optimal temporal patterns of electrical stimulation for a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including nasal or paranasal sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches). The devices and methods may also be used to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, irrespective of whether those disorders are co-morbid with a headache. They may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine or cluster headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.

A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

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.

Typically, stimulation therapy is provided using one or more implanted stimulation electrodes. Anatomy and treatment protocols can vary greatly—it is therefore advantageous to provide a highly configurable stimulation system.

A tissue stimulation system is provided including an implantable end and a stimulation energy source, the implantable end including: an elongated substrate; one or more stimulation electrodes; and one or more proximal return electrodes; the stimulation energy source including: one or more distal return electrodes, disposed distantly from the one or more stimulation electrodes; and a pulse energy controller including a ratio controller, wherein: the proximal return electrodes and the distal return electrodes are configured as an electrical return for the stimulation electrodes; the ratio controller modifying the electrical potential and/or current ratio of the first part to the second part.

A substantially transverse electric field may be provided. In addition, a ratio controller may also be provided.

Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof.

Vagal nerve stimulation devices and methods are provided for treating medical conditions, such as conditions associated with insufficient dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in the brain. A device includes one or more electrodes having a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and an energy source coupled to the electrodes. The energy source generates one or more electrical impulses and transmits the electrical impulses to the electrodes and transcutaneously through the outer skin surface of the patient at or near a vagus nerve. The one or more electrical impulses is sufficient to modulate the vagus nerve and release dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in a brain of the patient.