Abstract: A method for optimizing stimulation for a patient having a stimulator device such as a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device is disclosed, which involves a consideration of tissue imaging information in the environment around the lead. Test stimulation is provided at initial combinations of lead positions and values of a stimulation parameter such as amplitude, with patient results scored for each combination. One or more objective criteria are measured and scored. The objective criteria may be electrode impedances and/or indicators of stress, such as cardiac signals. This process repeats iteratively until a stopping criterium is met. The lead positions in question may be longitudinal or rotational positions around the lead, and preferably both if the lead is directional in nature.

Abstract: A method for optimizing stimulation for a patient having a stimulator device such as a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device is disclosed, which involves a consideration of tissue imaging information in the environment around the lead. Test stimulation is provided at initial combinations of lead positions and values of a stimulation parameter such as amplitude, with patient results scored for each combination. Tissue imaging information is assessed in conjunction with these scores, and a next combination of position and a value of the stimulation parameter to test is determined. This process repeats iteratively until a stopping criterium is met. The lead positions in question may be longitudinal or rotational positions around the lead, and preferably both if the lead is directional in nature. Tissue imaging information can also be used to exclude certain positions or stimulation values during subsequent optimization testing.

Abstract: A method for optimizing stimulation for a patient having a stimulator device such as a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device is disclosed. Test stimulation is provided at initial combinations of lead positions and values of a stimulation parameter such as amplitude, neural potentials are measured for each combination, and a neural response score is determined using the measured neural potentials. A next combination of position and a value of the stimulation parameter to test is determined using the neural response scores. This process repeats iteratively until a stopping criterium is met. The neural response scores and then used determine optimal therapeutic stimulation for the patient. Neural response measurements can also be used to exclude certain positions or stimulation values during subsequent optimization testing.

Abstract: A programming algorithm is disclosed to efficiently select stimulation parameters for a patient having a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implant, which is especially useful in optimizing stimulation when the DBS implant includes a directional lead capable of providing simulation at a rotational angle ?. The algorithm preferably first simultaneously determines an optimal longitudinal position (Lopt) and amplitude (Iopt1) for stimulation along the lead. This occurs by the algorithm efficiently selecting various values for L and I at which stimulation can be tried on the patient and scored. Once Lopt is determined, and if rotational optimization is possible at this longitudinal position, the algorithm simultaneously determines an optimal rotational angle (?opt) and amplitude (Iopt2) for stimulation around the lead at the optimized longitudinal position Lopt. This also occurs by the algorithm efficiently selecting various values for ? and I at which stimulation can be tried on the patient and scored.