Abstract: A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core constructed from a material having a high field saturation with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for simulating the look, sounds and vibrations of a genuine transcranial magnetic stimulator (“TMS”), while keeping the induced current reaching the patient low. The invention involves a sham TMS which presents the appearance of a genuine TMS, but which, in fact, does not operate as would a genuine TMS, because the induced current provided to the patient is captured by an aluminum shroud overlaying the end faces of the core of the TMS. The sham TMS may be used to provide a control in a medical study seeking to compare the results obtained by a genuine TMS with a sham TMS. Because the sham TMS appears to be genuine to the operator of the sham TMS and to the patient, the results of the medical study are not influenced by the knowledge of the operator and/or patient as to whether the TMS device is genuine or sham.

Abstract: A device for measuring and calibrating the strength of magnetic fields is provided. The device includes a coil of wire and either conductive pads or an ammeter/voltmeter attached to the coil of wire. The coil is disposed in the interior of a housing, and a locator window is formed in the housing in a position internal to the coil. The locator window allows the user to see through the device and thus position the device properly with respect to the source of the magnetic field. Preferably, a microprocessor is provided which converts a value of voltage or current induced in the coil into a value of magnetic field strength. The microprocessor transmits the value of magnetic field strength to the display.

Abstract: A Patient Protocol Card ("PPC") is provided on which a physician may store the information required for a prescribed treatment, for example, the patient's name, prescribed intensity of the treatment, duration of different phases of the treatment, and number of treatments. PPC may then be used to initiate and control the work of the device administering the prescribed treatment. To initiate the procedure and to convey required information to a control unit, the card is inserted into a card receptacle of the control unit, which preferably incorporates a card reading mechanism. When the treatment information is conveyed, the control unit administers the procedure in accordance with the physician's prescription. In the preferred embodiment, there are three versions of the PPC: a clinician card, a patient card, and a physician card. The clinician card initializes the control unit to begin treatment. The patient card contains the patient's name, treatment protocol, and treatment number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transcranial magnetic brain stimulation. The apparatus allows transcranial stimulation at higher power efficiency and lower heat generation than prior available magnetic stimulator coils without an iron core. Use of the apparatus allows an improved method for active localization of language function. The device can also be used in rapid rate transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of depression.

Abstract: A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core constructed from a material having a high field saturation with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.

Abstract: A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprise of a core of highly saturable material with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.