Neural blocking therapy

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for treating a condition, comprising:
 advancing a lead along a patient's spinal cord in a superior direction;   placing an electrode carried by the lead to overlie the patient's spinal cord; and   creating an electric field by applying an electrical signal to the electrode with signal parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity along the spinal cord, the parameters including a frequency of about 3,000 Hz or more.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein placing the electrode includes placing the electrode in the subarachnoid space. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein at least partially blocking neural activity includes blocking pain signals. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the frequency is about 5,000 Hz or more. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising coupling the lead to an external pulse generator. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein placing the electrode includes placing the electrode to overlie an ascending neural pathway. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein placing the electrode includes placing the electrode to overlie a descending neural pathway. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the electrode is a monopolar electrode. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the electrode is one of multiple electrodes. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the electrode is one of a bipolar pair of electrodes.