Abstract: A system and method for providing percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy to a patient. A method in accordance with one embodiment to the invention can include coupling an electrode to the recipient, applying electrical pulses to the probe, and varying a characteristic of the pulses applied to the recipient. For example, the pulses can be automatically varied from a value of no more than about 4 Hz to a value of no less than about 10 Hz and back over a period of greater than 6 seconds. The frequency variation can be repeated for a number of periods during the course of a session, or the frequency characteristics can change with subsequent periods. Characteristics of the electrical pulses can be changed depending on the duration of the session. The method for varying characteristics of the electrical pulses can be automatically implemented by a computer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy to a patient renders the therapy effective for a large patient population and a broad range of patient conditions. The method includes the steps of inserting an electrode into the patient and applying an electrical signal between the electrode and the patient's body at a plurality of frequencies that automatically vary over the range of frequencies. The range of frequencies may have a minimum frequency of at most about 20 Hz and a maximum frequency of at least about 40 Hz. In addition, the electrical signal may be compensated for changes in frequency. The compensation may be in the form of amplitude adjustment or pulse with adjustment to provide effective signal energy over the entire range of applied frequencies.

Abstract: A system and method for providing percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy to a patient. A method in accordance with one embodiment to the invention can include coupling an electrode to the recipient, applying electrical pulses to the probe, and varying a characteristic of the pulses applied to the recipient. For example, the pulses can be automatically varied from a value of no more than about 4 Hz to a value of no less than about 10 Hz and back over a period of greater than 6 seconds. The frequency variation can be repeated for a number of periods during the course of a session, or the frequency characteristics can change with subsequent periods. Characteristics of the electrical pulses can be changed depending on the duration of the session. The method for varying characteristics of the electrical pulses can be automatically implemented by a computer.