Differential charge-balancing can be used in high-frequency neural stimulation. For example, a neural stimulation apparatus can have first and second electrodes configured to be coupled proximate to a nerve fiber to implement a neural stimulation procedure. A neural stimulation circuit can be electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes. The neural stimulation circuit can apply stimulation currents to the nerve fiber through the first and second electrodes during a first stimulation phase of the neural stimulation procedure. The neural stimulation circuit can also apply a modified stimulation current to the nerve fiber through the first electrode during a second stimulation phase of the neural stimulation procedure. The modified stimulation current can be generated based on a difference between (i) a voltage at the first electrode, and (ii) a reference voltage derived from voltages on the first and second electrodes.

Methods, devices and systems to improve neural stimulation by applying biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse to speed conduction and improve mitochondrial function in conditions such as cerebellar dysfunction (such as gluten ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and Alzheimer's disease). Improved neural stimulation of more distal brain structures may interrupt epileptic seizures. Additionally, biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse speed wound healing by lowering the cell membrane potential of the skin, and may stimulate the release of hormonal secretions or insulin by proper placement of electrodes.

A neural stimulator system which generates stimulation from an implantable stimulator circuit which generates stimulation outputs which mimic biological signals. The user/operator can select stimulation generated from recorded waveforms, or by selecting the characteristics for generating stimulation based on randomized inter-pulse-intervals (IPI). A control unit controls the operation of the implantable stimulator circuit, and receives sets of stimulation parameters based on user input from a user input device executing application specific programming.

A method of downregulating and/or upregulating neural activity by applying a high frequency alternating current electrical signal to a nerve in a subject is disclosed. The signal comprises more than one microsecond cycle comprising one or more periods, each period comprising a charge recharge phase, and optionally, a pulse delay, each period having a frequency of at least 1000 Hz; and a microsecond inactive phase. In embodiments, an electrical signal treatment comprises more than one microsecond cycle to form a millisecond cycle, each millisecond cycle separated by a millisecond inactive phase during an on time. In embodiments, the electrical signal patterns can differ in amplitude.

Provided herein is a method of blocking a nerve or neuron including applying an electrical stimulation to the nerve or neuron, wherein the electrical stimulation is of an intensity that is greater than an excitation threshold of the nerve or neuron for a length of time sufficient to produce a block of nerve conduction or neuron excitation.

A method of providing electrical stimulation to a patient, to treat a disorder from which the patient suffers, includes: detecting respiration of the patient with a sensor; and repeatedly administering electrical stimulations to a target site of the patient. Suitably, the repeated administration of said electrical stimulations is automatically synchronized with the respiration of the patient as detected by the sensor.

A stimulation system includes an energy source, an electronics unit with a controller, and an actuator that is coupled with the electronics unit and/or the energy source. The actuator emits electromagnetic waves for stimulation of genetically manipulated tissue. The electronics unit is disposed in a housing. The stimulation system is configured for at least temporary implantation in a human or animal body. The controller controls the stimulation of tissue in the body by way of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the actuator. A selector of the stimulation system selects the area of the said tissue for stimulation. The selector includes a masking device for masking certain areas of the tissue, so that an intensity of the stimulation for the masked areas is reduced or equal to zero.

A voltage regulating module includes a fine regulating charge pump and a voltage-multiplying charge pump. The first output voltage of the fine regulating charge pump is V.sub.1=m*V.sub.0, a second output voltage of the voltage-multiplying charge pump is V.sub.2=n*V.sub.0, and a total output voltage of the voltage regulating module V=V.sub.1+V.sub.2. V.sub.0 is an input voltage, a value of m ranges from 0 to 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

Techniques for placing implantable electrodes to treat sleep apnea, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A representative method includes percutaneously implanting one or more signal delivery devices, each at or near a respective target signal delivery location in a patient. Each signal delivery device can include one or more electrodes, and individual ones of the electrodes can be positioned to produce a net positive protrusive motor response of the patient's tongue. The representative method further includes providing power to one or more of the electrodes from a wearable power source to cause the electrode(s) to deliver an electrical signal to the respective target signal delivery location(s) to produce the net positive protrusive motor response.

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively and reversibly modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system for the treatment of pain. An electrical stimulation is delivered to the treatment site that selectively and reversibly modulates the targeted neural- and non-neural tissue of the nervous structure, inhibiting the perception of pain while preserving other sensory and motor function, and proprioception.