A neuromodulation system and method of providing sub-threshold modulation therapy. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to a target tissue site of the patient at a programmed intensity value, thereby providing therapy to a patient without perception of stimulation. In response to an event, electrical modulation energy is delivered at incrementally increasing intensity values. At least one evoked compound action potential (eCAP) is sensed in a population of neurons at the target tissue site of the patient in response to the delivery of the electrical modulation energy at the incrementally increasing intensity values. One of the incrementally increased intensity values is selected based on the sensed eCAP(s). A decreased intensity value is automatically computed as a function of the selected intensity value. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to the target tissue site of the patient at the computed intensity value, thereby providing sub-threshold therapy to the patient.

Systems and methods are disclosed to permit a patient to use his external controller to move the location of stimulation in an implantable stimulator system. The external controller can be programmed with a steering algorithm, which prompts the patient to enter certain data regarding their symptoms (e.g., pain), such as pain scores and stimulation coverage. Such data is preferably entered for a plurality of different regions of the patient's body. The algorithm can compute for each body regions a targeting precision value (TP), and from these values determine a steering vector D that suggests a direction and/or a magnitude that stimulation can be moved in the electrode array to more precisely target the patient's pain. The patient may then move the location of the stimulation in accordance with the steering vector using their external controller. The algorithm can be repeated if necessary to again move the stimulation.

Provided is an artificial retina system for improving contrast sensitivity. The artificial retina system includes an artificial retina which is installed under the retina and includes a plurality of photodiode cells and a microcomputer. The microcomputer compares, with at least one reference value, the magnitude of an electric signal outputted from a photodiode in each of the photodiode cells. The microcomputer controls to amplify or reduce the electric signal outputted by each of the photodiode cells according to the result of comparison. Visual cells corresponding to each of the photodiode cells can be stimulated with an electric signal controlled by the microcomputer.

Systems and methods are disclosed in which a time series analysis algorithm is used to analyze inputs such as adjustments a patient has made to the amplitude of stimulation in an implantable stimulator system. The algorithm uses these inputs to predict how the patient would likely adjust the amplitude in the future, i.e. to predict future amplitudes for the patient as a function of time. Preferably, the algorithm determines one or more of an amplitude level, at least one seasonal variation, or at least one trend when predicting the amplitude. This predicted amplitude can then be used to automatically adjust the amplitude of the stimulation provided by the patient's stimulator. The algorithm may only use previous amplitude adjustments to predict the amplitude, other time-varying inputs, or combinations of both.

Embodiments of the instant invention relate to applying motor learning to promote remyelination following demyelination in a subject having a condition or disease. In certain embodiments, applying motor learning alone or in combination with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) induces the production of new and preserves surviving oligodendrocytes. In accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, motor learning, when properly timed, enhances oligodendrogenesis after injury and recruits mature oligodendrocytes to participate in remyelination through the generation of new myelin sheaths. In other aspects of the disclosure, VNS paired with motor learning enhances remyelination following demyelination.

An electrical stimulation system includes at least one electrical stimulation lead, each of the at least one electrical stimulation lead including a plurality of stimulation electrodes; and a processor coupled to the lead and configured to perform actions, including: directing delivery of at least one electrical pulse through at least one of the stimulation electrodes of the at least one electrical stimulation lead to tissue of a patient; and directing discrete or intermittent measurement of an electrical characteristic of the tissue using at least one of the stimulation electrodes of the at least one electrical stimulation lead during, and after, delivery of the at least one electrical pulse to the tissue of the patient.

An electrode arrangement for stimulating and recording electrical signals in biological matter comprises: an array (110) of electrodes (112), wherein electrodes (112) are configured to be switchable between stimulating and recording of electrical signals; a control unit (120), wherein the control unit (120) is configured to select a plurality of electrodes (112) to form a combined macroelectrode site (114) for providing a stimulating signal, wherein the control unit (120) is further configured to determine a perimeter electrode (112b) and a central electrode (112a), wherein the perimeter electrode (112b) is arranged at a perimeter of the combined macroelectrode site (114) and the central electrode (112a) is arranged centrally within the combined macroelectrode site (114), and wherein the control unit (120) is further configured to provide a stimulation signal to the perimeter electrode (112b) that has a lower magnitude than a stimulation signal provided to the central electrode (112a).

Methods and circuitry for calibrating stimulation circuitry in an implantable stimulator device (ISD) is disclosed. The ISD can sense neural response to the stimulation, and use an algorithm to assess those responses and determine a therapeutic window for a particular stimulation parameter, such as amplitude. Stimulation circuitry in the ISD is programmed with information indicative of the determined therapeutic window, such as by programming a minimum and/or maximum current amplitude. As well as restricting operation of the stimulation circuitry to within the therapeutic amplitude window, such programming calibrates the stimulation circuitry and allows an expanded range of, or all of, amplitude values supported by the stimulation circuitry to be used, which allows the amplitude to be incremented in smaller current increments.

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 for remote programming a therapy device for neurostimulation comprises: generating a stimulation program for the therapy device by means of a clinician programmer; transferring the stimulation program to a patient programmer; loading the stimulation program on the therapy device from the patient programmer; and increasing a stimulation amplitude of the stimulation program by means of the patient programmer. An initial stimulation amplitude setting of the stimulation program is limited to a minimal dose amplitude.