Controlling or reducing stress using auricular neurostimulation
US12318604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36036
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for controlling or reducing stress levels includes an ear-mounted device having an earpiece for positioning over a wearer's ear contacting tissue regions surrounding the ear, and electrodes for delivering non-piercing neurostimulation, with first electrode(s) arranged on a first surface of the earpiece to contact a first tissue region, and second electrode(s) are arranged on a second surface to contact a second tissue region. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve or the auriculotemporal nerve is situated beneath the first tissue region. The apparatus includes a controller to deliver therapeutic stimulation pulses via the stimulation device, where the pulses in combination with the positioning of the first electrode(s) and the second electrode(s) are configured to modulate the activity ratio between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby increasing vagal tone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.