Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation system includes an electrical stimulation lead suited for implantation into the epidural space overlying the medulla for stimulation of nerve tissue in the brain stem. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes suited to be positioned in the epidural space overlying the medulla and to deliver stimulation energy to the nerve tissue. The system also includes a stimulation source suited for implantation into the person's body and operable to generate signals for transmission to the electrodes of the lead positioned in the epidural space overlying the medulla to cause the electrodes to deliver stimulation energy to the nerve tissue. In a particular embodiment, the lead may be suited for implantation posteriorly on, in, or near the brain stem overlying the medulla. In a particular embodiment, the lead may be inserted through an open craniotomy or a burr hole located approximately over the junction of the occiput and the first or second cervical vertebrae.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation lead is adapted for implantation proximate target nerve tissue in a person for neurological stimulation of the target nerve tissue. A resilient lead body has a generally spiral natural configuration. A plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body and adapted to be positioned proximate the target nerve tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to the target nerve tissue. The plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body such that the electrodes are arranged in a predetermined array when the resilient lead body is in its generally spiral natural configuration. An inner channel formed through the resilient lead body is adapted to receive a straightening element. When inserted into the inner channel, the straightening element is adapted to place the resilient body in a generally linear configuration for insertion of the lead into the person and positioning of the electrodes proximate the target nerve tissue.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation system is adapted for implantation into a person's body for electrical, chemical, or combined electrical and chemical stimulation of target nerve tissue in the person's brain stem. For electrical stimulation, the system includes an electrical stimulation lead adapted for implantation on, in, or near the brain stem, and including electrodes adapted to be positioned on, in, or near target nerve tissue in the brain stem, for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the target nerve tissue. For chemical stimulation, the system includes an infusion catheter adapted for implantation on, in, or near the brain stem, and including openings adapted to be positioned on, in, or near target nerve tissue in the brain stem, for delivering a chemical to the target nerve tissue.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation lead is adapted for implantation proximate target nerve tissue in a person for neurological stimulation of the target nerve tissue. A resilient lead body has a generally spiral natural configuration. A plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body and adapted to be positioned proximate the target nerve tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to the target nerve tissue. The plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body such that the electrodes are arranged in a predetermined array when the resilient lead body is in its generally spiral natural configuration. An inner channel formed through the resilient lead body is adapted to receive a straightening element. When inserted into the inner channel, the straightening element is adapted to place the resilient body in a generally linear configuration for insertion of the lead into the person and positioning of the electrodes proximate the target nerve tissue.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a combined electrical and chemical stimulation lead adapted for implantation proximate target nerve tissue in a person for combined electrical and chemical stimulation of the target nerve tissue, includes a lead body. One or more electrodes located along the lead body and adapted to be positioned proximate the target nerve tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation pulses transmitted through the lead to the target nerve tissue. One or more infusion ports located along the lead body and adapted to be positioned proximate the target nerve tissue and to deliver chemical stimulation pulses transmitted through the lead to the target nerve tissue. The lead is adapted to provide combined electrical and chemical stimulation of the target nerve tissue using the one or more electrodes and the one or more infusion ports.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation system is adapted for implantation into a person's body for electrical, chemical, or combined electrical and chemical stimulation of target nerve tissue in the person's brain stem. For electrical stimulation, the system includes an electrical stimulation lead adapted for implantation on, in, or near the brain stem, and including electrodes adapted to be positioned on, in, or near target nerve tissue in the brain stem, for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the target nerve tissue. For chemical stimulation, the system includes an infusion catheter adapted for implantation on, in, or near the brain stem, and including openings adapted to be positioned on, in, or near target nerve tissue in the brain stem, for delivering a chemical to the target nerve tissue.