Patent · US Expired

Techniques for controlling abnormal involuntary movements by brain stimulation and drug infusion

US6227203A · kind A · utility

207Cited by
17References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 9, 1998
Grant dateMay 8, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 9, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/36082
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present invention discloses techniques for controlling abnormal involuntary movement (AIM) disorders as experienced by persons with Parkinson's disease under high dosage of levodopa by electrical stimulation and/or drug infusion. The present invention utilizes an implantable signal generator and an electrode and/or an implantable pump and catheter. High electrical stimulation pulses and/or drug therapy is provided to predetermined portions of the brain to blocking neural activity in the Centremedian-Parafasicularis nucleus thereby reducing activity in the medial pallidal nucleus (GPi) which, in turn, reduces the AIM disorder. A sensor may be used to detect the symptoms resulting from the AIM disorder. A microprocessor or algorithm may then analyzes the output from the sensor to regulate the stimulation and/or drug therapy delivered to the brain.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.