Multi-frequency neural treatments and associated systems and methods

Abstract

Multi-frequency neural treatments and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes at least reducing patient pain by applying a first electrical signal to a first target location of the patient's spinal cord region at a frequency in a first frequency range of up to about 1,500 Hz, and applying a second electrical signal to a second target location of the patient's spinal cord region at a frequency in a second frequency range of from about 2,500 Hz to about 100,000 Hz.

1 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A method of treating pain in a patient, without using paresthesia or tingling to cover the patient's sensation of pain, the method comprising:
 positioning a lead having at least one electrode disposed thereon so that at least one of the at least one electrode is in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion; and   providing stimulation energy to the at least one of the at least one electrode so as to stimulate at least a portion of the dorsal root ganglion,   wherein together the positioning of the lead step and the providing stimulation energy step reduce pain sensations without generating sensations of paresthesia.   
     
     
         52 . A method of treating pain in a patient comprising:
 positioning a lead having at least one electrode disposed thereon so that at least one of the at least one electrode is in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion; and   providing stimulation energy to the at least one of the at least one electrode so as to stimulate at least a portion of the dorsal root ganglion,   wherein together the positioning of the lead step and the providing stimulation energy step reduce pain sensations without generating sensations of paresthesia.   
     
     
         53 . A method for alleviating patient pain or discomfort, without using paresthesia or tingling to cover the patient's sensation of pain or discomfort, the method comprising:
 directing a lead having at least one electrode into the patient's epidural space;   positioning the at least one electrode proximate to the patient's dorsal root ganglion; and   applying an electrical therapy signal to the patient's dorsal root ganglion via the at least one electrode,   wherein the signal applied to the patient's dorsal root ganglion reduces the patient's pain sensations without generating sensations of paresthesia.   
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , further comprising:
 coupling the lead to an implantable signal generator configured to generate the electrical therapy signal.   
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53  wherein the electrical therapy signal has an amplitude of up to 20 mA. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 53  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied continuously. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 53  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied discontinuously so as to include periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied, and periods when the electrical therapy signal is terminated according to a duty cycle 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 57  wherein the duty cycle is less than 50%. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 53  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied discontinuously so as to include periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied, and periods when the electrical therapy signal is terminated. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied range from a few seconds to a few hours. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 53  wherein the electrical therapy signal is delivered at a frequency between 2,500 Hz and 100,000 Hz. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , further comprising: applying a stimulation signal at a frequency between 2 Hz and 1,500 Hz. 
     
     
         63 . A method of treating pain in a patient comprising:
 implanting a lead having at least one electrode disposed thereon; and   providing stimulation energy to the at least one electrode of the implanted lead so as to stimulate at least a portion of a dorsal root ganglion,   wherein providing stimulation energy to the at least one electrode of the implanted lead reduces pain sensations without generating sensations of paresthesia.   
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , further comprising:
 coupling the lead to an implantable signal generator configured to generate the electrical therapy signal.   
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the electrical therapy signal has an amplitude of up to 20 mA. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied continuously. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied discontinuously so as to include periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied, and periods when the electrical therapy signal is terminated according to a duty cycle 
     
     
         68 . The method of claim  17  wherein the duty cycle is less than 50%. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the electrical therapy signal is applied discontinuously so as to include periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied, and periods when the electrical therapy signal is terminated. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the periods when the electrical therapy signal is applied range from a few seconds to a few hours. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the electrical therapy signal is delivered at a frequency between 2,500 Hz and 100,000 Hz. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , further comprising: applying a stimulation signal at a frequency between 2 Hz and 1,500 Hz.