Abstract: A method for treating complex regional pain syndromes by applying an oscillating electric field to appropriate sympathetic ganglia. The method includes the steps of inserting an electrode into the vicinity of the sympathetic ganglion, for example the stellate and upper thoracic ganglia, such that the necessary electric field may be applied to the ganglion. The necessary field oscillation frequency and strength, as well as other characteristics of the signal are determined individually for each patient. Continued driving of the pathological activity of the ganglion into the normal function is the long-term, reversible palatative remedy for the condition.

Abstract: An assembly for securing an electrode lead within a burr hole formed in a patient's skull. The assembly is provided for reliably, easily, and reversibly securing an implanted electrode lead such that the active portion of the lead which is inside the brain tissue within the skull is not subject to unwanted translations when the external portion of the lead is manipulated. The securing assembly has two separate components. The first is a bone port which seats within a preformed burr hole in the skull. The bone port is a cylindrical shaped short tube which includes a means for gripping the skull on the external periphery of the cylinder. The central axial hole of the port is designed to receive the second lead-locking portion of the assembly. The external surface of the lead-locking portion and the interior surface of the central axial hole of the port include an easily engageable coupling means, for example a bayonet locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method for treating excessive facial blushing by applying an oscillating electric field to the stellate ganglion. The method includes the steps of inserting an electrode into the vacinity of the sympathetic ganglion, for example the stellate ganglion, such that the necessary electric field may be applied to the ganglion. The necessary field oscillation frequency and strength, as well as other characteristics of the signal are determined individually for each patient. Continued driving of the pathological activity of the ganglion into the normal function is the long-term, reversible palatative remedy for the condition.

Abstract: A method for treating hyperhidrosis by applying an oscillating electric field to the stellate ganglion. The method includes the steps of inserting an electrode into the vacinity of the sympathetic ganglion, for example the stellate ganglion, such that the necessary electric field may be applied to the ganglion. The necessary field oscillation frequency and strength, as well as other characteristics of the signal are determined individually for each patient. Continued driving of the pathological activity of the ganglion into the normal function is the long-term, reversible palatative remedy for the condition.

Abstract: A combined deep brain stimulation electrode and microelectrode recording probe are provided to reduce the tedium and difficulty associated with the localization of electrical stimulation leads, thereby promoting neurosurgeons to use the most sophisticated methods of electrode placement. The invention includes a deep brain stimulator having an elongate elastomeric sheath which encases a series of individually wound wires extending from one end of the electrode to the other, and terminating in a corresponding series of electrically isolated contact pads. The interior of the elongate sheath is a central channel which is open at both ends. The microelectrode probe is advanced through the central channel and provides one pole of an electrical stimulator tip. One of the deep brain stimulator contact pads serves as the other pole for the microelectrode recording process.