Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 13, 2021
Date of Patent:
January 16, 2024
Assignees:
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERAITY, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), U.S. DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS), U.S. GOVERNMENT
Inventors:
Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke