Abstract: Systems and methods for application of fMRI as a biomarker of neural abnormalities are presented. A subject's activations of brain regions that occur while performing cognitive tasks in an fMRI scanning apparatus are measured. The resulting measurements are compared to the activations of brain regions that occur during each cognitive task for a control group. The comparison to the performance and brain activations of normal subjects determine the presence of cortical compensatory mechanisms that indicate neural abnormalities in the subject.

Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, may be caused or aggravated by insufficient venous draining from the central nervous system. Functional MRI measures the surge of blood flow into localized regions of cerebral cortex in response to activation of those regions by performing visual, auditory or executive tasks. These fMRI measurements are based on blood-oxygen-level dependence. The resulting fMRI/BOLD data is converted to hemodynamic response data and analyzed to determine any abnormality in the hemodynamic response data. Vascular drainage insufficiency is identified in the presence of abnormal hemodynamic response data. Abnormal hemodynamic response data can be determined by a negative trough in a graph of the HDR data or by the duration, depth, or area of the negative trough.

Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, may be caused or aggravated by insufficient venous draining from the central nervous system. Functional MRI measures the surge of blood flow into localized regions of cerebral cortex in response to activation of those regions by performing visual, auditory or executive tasks. These fMRI measurements are based on blood-oxygen-level dependence. The resulting fMRI/BOLD data is converted to hemodynamic response data and analyzed to determine any abnormality in the hemodynamic response data. Vascular drainage insufficiency is identified in the presence of abnormal hemodynamic response data. Abnormal hemodynamic response data can be determined by a negative trough in a graph of the HDR data or by the duration, depth, or area of the negative trough.

Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, may be caused or aggravated by insufficient venous draining from the central nervous system. Functional MRI measures the surge of blood flow into localized regions of cerebral cortex in response to activation of those regions by performing visual, auditory or executive tasks. These fMRI measurements are based on blood-oxygen-level dependence. The resulting fMRI/BOLD data is converted to hemodynamic response data and analyzed to determine any abnormality in the hemodynamic response data. Vascular drainage insufficiency is identified in the presence of abnormal hemodynamic response data. Abnormal hemodynamic response data can be determined by a negative trough in a graph of the HDR data or by the duration, depth, or area of the negative trough.

Abstract: A multi electrode and needle injection device for identifying and treating muscle pain using two simultaneous electrode EMG recordings to locate an active trigger point. The two electrodes are displaced so that one electrode detects EMG activity at the trigger point and the other detects EMG activity adjacent to the trigger point, within the same muscle. The combination of the electrodes with a drug delivery system allows the user to inject a medication locally at the trigger point to block the trigger point activity and reduce or eliminate muscle pain. The electrodes are on a hypodermic needle. The needle is used to both facilitate the location of the trigger points, and for treatment, by injecting a drug into the trigger points.

Abstract: Machines for treating or preventing neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patientcontrolled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A multi electrode and needle injection device for identifying and treating muscle pain using two simultaneous electrode EMG recordings to locate an active trigger point. The two electrodes are displaced so that one electrode detects EMG activity at the trigger point and the other detects EMG activity adjacent to the trigger point, within the same muscle. The combination of the electrodes with a drug delivery system allows the user to inject a medication locally at the trigger point to block the trigger point activity and reduce or eliminate muscle pain. The electrodes are on a hypodermic needle. The needle is used to both facilitate the location of the trigger points, and for treatment, by injecting a drug into the trigger points.

Abstract: A multi electrode and needle injection device for identifying and treating muscle pain using two simultaneous electrode EMG recordings to locate an active trigger point. The two electrodes are displaced so that one electrode detects EMG activity at the trigger point and the other detects EMG activity adjacent to the trigger point, within the same muscle. The combination of the electrodes with a drug delivery system allows the user to inject a medication locally at the trigger point to block the trigger point activity and reduce or eliminate muscle pain. The electrodes are on a hypodermic needle. The needle is used to both facilitate the location of the trigger points, and for treatment, by injecting a drug into the trigger points.

Abstract: Machines for treating neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patient-controlled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Methods are provided for intramuscular needle diagnosis and treatment of muscle pain that is the result of sympathetically mediated spindle spasm. Two simultaneous needle EMG needle recordings are used to establish the presence of and magnitude of the "trigger points" in painful muscle. The abnormal muscle activity so identified is then treated by blocking the sympathetic activation of the muscle with an agent that inhibits sympathetic transmission.

Abstract: Methods are provided for intramuscular needle diagnosis and treatment of muscle pain that is believed to be the result of sympathetically mediated spindle spasm. Two simultaneous needle EMG needle recordings are used to establish the presence of and magnitude of the "trigger points" in painful muscle. The abnormal muscle activity so identified can then be treated by blocking the sympathetic activation muscle blocker or other agent that would have the same effect of inhibiting the abnormal muscle activity.