Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for managing intake of a pharmacological agent. In one method of the present invention, the systems and methods are for controlling intake of an anti-epileptic drug. In such embodiments, one or more signals from a patient are processed to predict an onset of a seizure. Upon the prediction of the seizure, the patient is allowed to access the pharmacological agent in a pharmacological agent dispenser.

Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.

Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient. The apparatus can include an electrical coupler having a coupling member configured to be removably positioned at least proximate to a percutaneous probe. The coupling member can be coupleable to a source of therapeutic electrical signals via a therapeutic signal transmission link to transmit the therapeutic electrical signals to the recipient. The apparatus can further include a status signal transmission link at least proximate to the therapeutic signal transmission link and coupleable to a status signal emitter. The status signal transmission link can be at least tamper-resistant and/or tamper-evident, and can be configured to transmit a status signal having a first characteristic value when the status signal transmission link is in a first condition and a second characteristic value when the status signal transmission link has been altered from a first condition to a second condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for applying electrical stimulation to a site on a patient. In one embodiment, an implantable electrode assembly includes an electrode array carried by a flexible support member. The electrode array can include a first plurality of electrodes spaced apart from a second plurality of electrodes. The first plurality of electrodes can be connected to a first lead line, and the second plurality of electrodes can be similarly connected to a second lead line. The first and second lead lines can be housed in a cable extending away from the support member. A distal end of the cable can include a connector for coupling the lead lines to an implantable pulse generator or other stimulus unit. In operation, the stimulus unit can bias the first plurality of electrodes at a first potential and the second plurality of electrodes at a second potential to generate an electric field proximate to a stimulation site.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for applying electrical stimulation to a site on a patient. In one embodiment, an implantable electrode assembly includes an electrode array carried by a flexible support member. The electrode array can include a first plurality of electrodes spaced apart from a second plurality of electrodes. The first plurality of electrodes can be connected to a first lead line, and the second plurality of electrodes can be similarly connected to a second lead line. The first and second lead lines can be housed in a cable extending away from the support member. A distal end of the cable can include a connector for coupling the lead lines to an implantable pulse generator or other stimulus unit. In operation, the stimulus unit can bias the first plurality of electrodes at a first potential and the second plurality of electrodes at a second potential to generate an electric field proximate to a stimulation site.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to intracranial electrodes and methods for implanting and using intracranial electrodes. In one particular example, an intracranial electrode includes a shaft having a distal contact surface adapted to electrically contact a surface of a patient's brain, a head associated with the shaft, and threads adapted to fix the electrode with respect to the patient's skull. This electrode may have an adjustable length adapted to change a contact force of the distal contact surface against the surface of the brain by adjusting the length of the electrode.

Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling percutaneous electrical signals. In one embodiment, the method can include a computer-implemented method for displaying characteristics of an electrical therapy signal, which can include receiving a first value for a characteristic of an electrical therapy signal and directing transmission of a first electrical therapy signal with the first value. The method can further include directing a digital display device to display a first graph representing the first value, receiving a second value for the characteristic, directing transmission of a second electrical therapy signal with the second value, and directing the digital display device to display a second graph concurrent with a display of the first graph. The apparatus can simultaneously control signal levels directed to multiple channels, and can automatically set the signal levels to zero when a therapy session is ended or paused.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient. The apparatus can include an electrical coupler having a coupling member configured to be removably positioned at least proximate to a percutaneous probe. The coupling member can be coupleable to a source of therapeutic electrical signals via a therapeutic signal transmission link to transmit the therapeutic electrical signals to the recipient. The apparatus can further include a status signal transmission link at least proximate to the therapeutic signal transmission link and coupleable to a status signal emitter. The status signal transmission link can be at least tamper-resistant and/or tamper-evident, and can be configured to transmit a status signal having a first characteristic value when the status signal transmission link is in a first condition and a second characteristic value when the status signal transmission link has been altered from a first condition to a second condition.