Abstract: The present disclosure provides leadless pacemaker systems and methods. A leadless pacemaker includes a battery subassembly, a feedthrough subassembly, and an electronics subassembly coupled between the battery subassembly and the feedthrough subassembly, the electronics subassembly including an electronics package, and a housing configured to provide a hermetic seal and comprising a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature configured to secure the electronics package within the housing.

Abstract: Various device embodiments may comprise an implantable medical device for implantation in a body and for applying neural stimulation to a neural target in the body. The device may comprise a neural stimulation electrode configured for use in stimulating the neural target, a neural stimulator configured to deliver neural stimulation through the electrode to the neural target, a sensor configured to sense a physiological response to stimulation of motor fibers at the neural target, and a controller operatively connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulation and operatively connected to the sensor to receive a signal indicative of the physiological response. The controller may be configured to detect a potential neural injury and perform an action in response to the detected potential neural injury.

Abstract: High frequency cardiac arrhythmias and fibrillations are terminated by electric field pacing pulses having an order of magnitude less energy than a conventional cardioversion or defibrillation energy. The frequency and number of the pulses are selected based on a frequency analysis of a present high frequency cardiac arrhythmia or fibrillation. The energy of the pulses is selected from 1/400 to ½ of the conventional defibrillation energy, and the amplitude of the electric field pacing pulses are selected such as to activate a multitude of effective pacing sites in the heart tissue per each pacing electrode. The number and locations of the effective pacing sites in the heart tissue are regulated by the amplitude of the electric field pacing pulses, and by an orientation of the electric field of the pulses.

Abstract: An auricular peripheral nerve field stimulator system includes an electrical stimulation device for generating electrical stimulation signals and a plurality of therapy electrodes each electrically coupled to the electrical stimulation device and each including a plurality of needles for percutaneous insertion into an auricle of a human ear near at least one neural vascular bundle located therein. In some embodiments, at least one reference electrode electrically is coupled to the electrical stimulation device and includes at least one needle for percutaneous insertion into or adjacent the auricle to provide a ground reference for the electrical stimulation device. The generated electrical stimulation signals are, in any case, delivered by the percutaneously inserted needles to stimulate an auricular peripheral nerve field within the auricle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for ablational treatment of regions of the digestive tract in post-bariatric surgery patients who fail to achieve or maintain the desired weight loss. Bariatric procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reconstruct gastrointestinal tract features, creating pouches, stoma, and tubes that restrict and/or divert the digestive flow. Post-surgical dilation of altered structures is common and diminishes their bariatric effectiveness. Ablation of compromised structures can reduce their size and compliance, restoring bariatric effectiveness. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected.

Abstract: An insulated electrode system for delivering a plurality of tumor treating electromagnetic fields including an array of electrode elements for proximate location on a body of a patient. Each electrode element of the array having an insulation layer. Each electrode element being independently electrically accessible and configured to be dynamically assigned to emanate an electromagnetic field relative to at least one other of said electrode elements.

Abstract: An example of a system may include an electrode arrangement and a neuromodulation device configured to use electrodes in the electrode arrangement to generate a neuromodulation field. The neuromodulation device may include a neuromodulation generator, a neuromodulation control circuit and a storage. The storage may include a stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set and the stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set may include at least one stochastically-modulated parameter. The controller may be configured to control the neuromodulation generator using the stochastically-modulation parameter set to generate the neuromodulation field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stimulating tissue employing local current imbalance to facilitate more effective stimulation regimens.

Abstract: A method for providing electrical stimulation to a user as a user performs a set of tasks during a time window, the method comprising: providing an electrical stimulation treatment, characterized by a stimulation parameter and a set of portions, to a brain region of the user in association with the time window; for each task of the set of tasks: receiving a signal stream characterizing a neurological state of the user; from the signal stream, identifying a neurological signature characterizing the neurological state associated with the task; and modulating the electrical stimulation treatment provided to the brain region of the user based upon the neurological signature, wherein modulating comprises delivering a portion of the set of portions of the electrical stimulation treatment to the brain region of the user, while maintaining an aggregate amount of the stimulation parameter of the treatment provided during the time window below a maximum limit.

Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation coil which is location-specific for medial brain regions or lateral brain regions is designed with multiple spaced apart stimulating elements having current flow in a first direction, and multiple return elements having current flow in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. The multiple stimulating elements are distributed around a central axis of the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for ablating cardiac tissue of a subject. The apparatus comprises an inflatable element, configured to be transthoracically placed within a pericardial region of the subject and a reflection-facilitation element, configured to deliver a fluid to the pericardial region, such that a portion of the fluid is disposed within the inflatable element, and another portion of the fluid is disposed outside of the inflatable element and inside the pericardial region. The apparatus additionally comprises at least one ultrasound transducer, configured to be transcatheterally placed in a heart chamber of the subject, and to apply ultrasound energy such that at least a portion of the applied energy is reflected by the fluid. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a device for generating stimulation signals, comprising: a stimulation delivery circuit; a first component to monitor charge delivered in at least one charge pulse via the stimulation delivery circuit; and a second component to ensure delivered charge substantially corresponds to charge of a charge pulse intended to be delivered by the stimulation delivery circuit. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a charge setting circuit responsive to a charge pulse setting signal, such as a constant current of fixed pulse width, to set the charge of the charge pulse intended to be delivered.

Abstract: A lead extension at least one lead extension body; terminals disposed along one end portion of the lead extension body(ies); a lead extension connector disposed along another end portion of the lead extension body(ies); and conductors electrically coupling the connector contacts in the lead extension connector to the terminals. The lead extension connector can include lead channels with non-straight paths to facilitate retention of leads. Alternatively, the lead extension connector can include one or more stretchable boots to each receive a lead when stretched and to grip the lead when relaxed. Alternatively, the lead extension connector can have two connector bodies with a pin channel and pin, respectively. When the pin is inserted into the pin channel, the pin compresses a portion of the connector body against the lead to retain the lead within the connector.

Abstract: Electric field delivery and ablation of target tissue regions, including cancerous cells and solid tumors. Methods and systems include delivering an electric field to a target tissue, and may include positioning a first electrode or plurality to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue; positioning a second electrode or plurality to at least partially define a second treatment volume, the first volume is disposed in the second volume; and establishing a first current flow extending through the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume.

Abstract: Systems configured to apply pressure to a foot and electrically stimulate muscles to contract in order to increase circulation and facilitate removal of metabolic waste, and related methods, are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment comprises an actuator that repeatedly compresses the bottom of a foot and an electrical muscle stimulator that repeatedly sends electrical pulses to a muscle to facilitate a muscle contraction. The system may also include a compression garment, such as a compression sock to be worn while undergoing both the repeated compression cycles and the repeated electrical pulses. The system may also include an item of footwear, wherein the actuator portion is partially or completely contained within the item of footwear. Additionally and/or alternatively, the electrical muscle stimulator may be partially or completely contained within the item of footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substantially rigid base and a flexible substrate. The substantially rigid base has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and is configured to be coupled to an electronic device. The flexible substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and includes an electrical circuit configured to electronically couple the electronic device to at least one of an electrode a battery, or an antenna. The flexible substrate is coupled to the base such that a first portion of the second surface is in contact with the first protrusion. A second portion of the second surface is non-parallel to the first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of treating a vertebrate organism via application of signals in a manner that enhances biological function. The signals applied can be produced by an electronic circuit, and can comprise magnetic fields emitted via one or more coil emitter devices.

Abstract: Some computer-assisted methods include: presenting configuration options to a user of the implanted stimulator device, the configuration options comprising stimulation parameters for the implanted stimulator; receiving a user specification of the configuration options in response to the presented configuration options; receiving user feedback when the user specified configuration options are implemented at the implanted stimulator device, the user feedback comprising a quantitative index of pain resulting from implementing the user specified configuration options on the implanted stimulator device; building a user profile for the user based on the user specified configuration options and the user feedback, the user profile including the user specified configuration options as well as the corresponding quantitative index of pain; and selecting at least one configuration option based on the user profile when the configuration options are subsequently presented to the user for a later treatment.

Abstract: Cutaneous and subcutaneous TNS embodiments are disclosed for addressing autonomic nervous system imbalances. A cutaneous electrode assembly is applied to a patient's forehead, and a current is pulsed through the electrode assembly to stimulate the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves on the patient to increase activity for the patient's parasympathetic nervous system. Pulsing the current increases the power spectral density for the patient's heart rate variability in a 0.1 to 0.15 Hz frequency band.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for altering body mass composition in a human subject by applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using electrodes placed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems. The current source include a feedback loop for measuring a resistance across the subject's scalp and adjusting a voltage output to maintain a constant current across the subject's scalp. GVS may be applied for a predetermined period of time at regular intervals.

Abstract: Techniques for managing urinary or fecal incontinence include delivering a first type of therapy to generate a first physiological response and, upon detecting a trigger event, delivering a second type of therapy to generate a second physiological response. The first type of therapy can be delivered on a substantially regular basis, while the second type of therapy is delivered as needed to provide an additional boost of therapy. The trigger event for activating the delivery of the second type of therapy may include input from a sensor that indicates a bladder condition, patient activity level or patient posture, or patient input. In some examples, the therapy is stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A portable medical device having an intravenous line flow sensor integrated into a cable. The portable medical device may be a defibrillator having an ECG or electrode cable couple to ECG or electrode leads. The flow sensor may be integrated into the ECG or electrode cable. The portable medical device uses the flow sensor to capture and store information about fluids delivered to a patient being treated with the portable medical device. The information may include total volume provided, flow rate, and the like. The information may then be used to evaluate the treatment provided to the patient.

Abstract: Techniques, devices, and systems may include screening effective therapies using cortical evoked potentials. In one example, a system may be configured to receive a first sensed cortical evoked potential of a patient that occurred in response to an induced sensation at an anatomical region different from a brain region of the patient and receive a second sensed cortical evoked potential that occurred in response to electrical stimulation delivered to one or more nerves associated with the anatomical region. The electrical stimulation may be at least partially defined by a set of therapy parameter values. The system may also compare a first value of a characteristic of the first sensed cortical evoked potential to a second value of the characteristic of the second sensed cortical evoked potential and determine, based on the comparison, efficacy of a therapy configured to treat a condition associated with the anatomical region.

Abstract: An algorithm programmed into the control circuitry of a rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can adjust the charging current (Ibat) provided to the rechargeable battery over time (e.g., the life of the IMD) in accordance with one or more of the parameters having an effect on rechargeable battery capacity, such as number of charging cycles, charging current, discharge depth, load current, and battery calendar age. The algorithm consults such parameters as stored over the history of the operation of the IMD in a parameter log, and in conjunction with a battery capacity database reflective of the effect of these parameters on battery capacity, estimates a change in the capacity of the battery, and adjust the charging current in one or both of trickle and active charging paths to slow the loss of battery capacity and extend the life of the IMD.

Abstract: Treatment of cardiac tissue via an implantable heart treatment device is described. A device embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a substrate configured for implantation within a body; an electromagnetic signal generator coupled to the substrate and configured to generate one or more electric signals configured to stimulate one or more tissues of a heart within the body; and an energy-carrier molecule delivery device coupled to the substrate and configured to supply one or more non-oxygen cellular energy sources to one or more tissues of the heart within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and means of detecting tissue conditions conducive to pressure ulcer formation and reversing these conditions which includes the steps of: noninvasively detecting tissue parameters indicative of tissue health, calculating when these conditions fall outside normal healthy physiological ranges in such a manner that indicates future formation of a pressure ulcer, and in such a situation applying therapeutic stimulation to normalize tissue physiological condition. Said apparatus and method comprise a single, wearable unit. The device can be used in bed or in a wheelchair to treat and prevent the development of pressure ulcers.

Abstract: Methods for programming an implantable drug delivery device using a mobile computing device that include establishing a connection with a telemetry unit configured for wireless communication with the implantable drug delivery device, displaying user-selectable drug delivery settings for the implantable drug delivery device, receiving at least one selection of a drug delivery setting, translating the received selection into a signal format readable by the telemetry unit, and sending the translated signal to the telemetry unit to program the implantable drug delivery device. Further embodiments include telemetry units for communication with an implantable drug delivery device, and patient programmers and a method for patient modification to a programmed drug delivery regimen.

Abstract: A method of forming a medical device contact element includes annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod having a Young's Modulus of less than 13.5 Mpsi and an elastic range or strain of at least 0.7%. Then forming a contact ring element from the annealed rod and assembling the contact ring element into a medical device. Contact rings and lead receptacles including the same are also described.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.

Abstract: Method for transcranial neurostimulation. A target of neurons for transcranial stimulation or modulation is located within an impedance model of the brain, a model of a selected device to be used for producing an electric or magnetic field outside the brain is obtained and used, along with the impedance model, to compute respective virtual target stimulating current vectors representing target stimulating currents that would result from using the device in two distinct trial dispositions of the device, an image of the cortical surface at the target is obtained and used to compute a target normal vector, and a determination is made of which of the two virtual target stimulating current vectors has a greater component projecting at predetermined angles from the target normal vector.

Abstract: Monitoring physiological parameter using an implantable physiological monitor in order to detect a condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode and collecting additional physiological data associated with the condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode. Monitoring another physiological parameter in order to detect a condition indicative of the beginning of a present pathological episode and collecting additional pathological data in response to the condition. Determining that the condition predictive of a future episode and the condition indicative of a present episode are associated and, in response thereto, storing all the collected physiological data.

Abstract: Electrical energy delivery tissue site validation systems and methods can determine an indication of a tissue type at a tissue site. This information can be used to enable or inhibit electrical energy delivery to the tissue site. The tissue type at the tissue site can be determined such as by delivering a test electrical energy and sensing a responsive electrical energy. An electrical connectivity to the tissue site can also be determined, such as by using a sensed intrinsic electrical signal at the tissue site. Tissue type information may be communicated externally, such as to allow user confirmation or override of the determined indication of tissue type at the tissue site, such as by a physician, user, or other operator.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead assembly includes a lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length. Electrodes are disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body; and stimulation conductors couple the terminals to the electrodes. A cerebrospinal-fluid-pulsation detection assembly includes a sensor disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body. The sensor detects pulses of cerebrospinal fluid within a subarachnoid space of a patient and transforms the detected cerebrospinal-fluid pulses into sensor signals. A sensor processor receives the sensor signals from the sensor, processes the received sensor signals to cerebrospinal-fluid pulsation data (“CSF-pulsation data”), and estimates a patient blood-flow condition based on the CSF-pulsation data. A sensor control pathway couples the sensor to the sensor processor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention disclosed herein provides systems, devices and methods for providing electrical stimulation to a patient. An electrical mechanical interconnection is provided to facilitate user friendly systems and devices. Exemplary therapeutic electrical stimulation devices include a shoe connected mechanically and electrically to a conductor that provides signals for electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A medical device control unit may include at least one processing device, a circuit electrically coupled to the at least one processing device, and a flexible housing configured to contain the at least one processing device and the circuit. The flexible housing may include at least one connection portion configured to engage a connector protruding from a flexible carrier, and at least one electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit and configured to establish an electrical connection with an exposed electrical contact on the flexible carrier when the connection portion is engaged with the at least one connection portion.

Abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to modulate permeability of the blood brain barrier in a transient, safe and non-invasive manner. A conventional or deep TMS coil may be placed on a head in a vicinity of a tumor, for example. A series of magnetic pulses is provided to the brain with a tailored stimulation protocol. In one of many possible clinical applications, a pharmaceutical substance may be introduced during a time frame before, during or after providing the magnetic pulses to treat a tumor in the brain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells.

Abstract: A rules engine acquires sensor data from sensors applied to the heart to determine the presence of a rapid heartbeat. The rules engine applies rules to the sensor data to determine whether to deliver an electrical waveform to a vagus nerve. The rules engine further determines whether an electrical waveform should be applied to the heart and, if so, the type of electrical waveform.

Abstract: A system and method of exercising targeted muscles of the face using electrotherapy. An electrotherapy machine is provided that produces both burst mode oscillating current and biphasic current. Burst mode oscillating current is used to map positions for electrodes that cause contractions in specific regions of the targeted muscles. Biphasic current is used to map positions for electrodes that stimulate the buccal nerve branch and cause simultaneous contractions of the entire targeted muscles. After mapping burst mode oscillating current is directed from the electrotherapy machine to the first set of electrodes during a first period of time. Biphasic current is directed from the electrotherapy machine to a second set of electrodes during a second period of time that is subsequent to the first period of time. The cycles are repeated to cause concentric and eccentric contractions in the targeted muscles. The contractions exercise and tone the targeted muscles.

Abstract: A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and systems for treating human anemia. The methods, devices, and systems generally include monitoring a patients hemoglobin level and at least one of autonomic balance and inflammatory state to determine the etiology of the anemic state, modulating at least one of a sympathetic or parasympathetic nerve based on the cause of the anemia, monitoring for changes in the patients cardiac activity and state of inflammation, and hemoglobin level. An external neurostimulation system is describes, and well as a chronic implantable system. A method for treating a patient for anemia in conjunction with a renal denervation ablation catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices (11, 111) for providing temporary access to the ventricle of the heart and then closing such an access passage when the operation demanding such access has been completed. These devices include an anchor (13, 113) with a wire spiral (19, 119) for implantation in the tissue wall of the heart and a handle (15, 115) detachably connected to the anchor. The handle provides an axial passageway in which a hollow needle (27, 127) is slidably and stably received. With the anchor in juxtaposition with the apex of the heart, the pointed end of the hollow needle is inserted into the ventricle, and its presence traversing the wall of the heart provides a stable axis about which the wire spiral (19, 119) can be rotated to seat the anchor in precise circumscribing fashion about the hollow needle (27, 127).

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a dermatological disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof with brain tissue. For example, methods and materials for using probes to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, or combinations thereof during deep brain stimulation are provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SPN), a vidian nerve (VN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SPN the VN, or the branch thereof. The medical condition can include pain resulting from one or more of atypical odontalgia, cluster tic syndrome, geniculate neuralgia, occipital neuralgia and temporal arteritis.