Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating the spinal cord are provided. The method involves positioning an electrical lead in the intrathecal space adjacent to the desired level of the spinal cord. Electrical leads are provides that help stabilize the lead in the intrathecal space and provide for focal stimulation of the spinal cord.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to anchor the distal portion of an implantable electrical lead using a coupling system to prevent or minimize lead migration. Magnetic-assisted anchoring systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrical lead positioning systems, devices, and methods are disclosed. Systems include an implantation tool having a malleable portion to allow a user to customize the configuration of the implantation tool to navigate to the target site of a patient's body. Electrical leads are also provided with retention features to secure the implantation tool to the lead during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for positioning a lead at a target site in a patient's body. Electrical lead positioning systems include positioning devices that aid in positioning electrodes of an electrical lead closer to the therapy site.

Abstract: An electrical lead including a coupling feature thereon to secure an implantation tool thereto is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.

Abstract: The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.