Selective stimulation systems and signal parameters for medical conditions

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for targeted treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly conditions that are associated with or influenced by the nervous system, such as pain. Targeted treatment of such conditions is provided with minimal deleterious side effects, such as undesired motor responses or undesired stimulation of unaffected body regions. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies.

1 . A method of treating a condition of a patient, wherein the condition is associated with a portion of a dorsal root ganglion and is not substantially associated with other portions of the dorsal root ganglion, the method comprising:
 positioning a lead having at least one electrode so that at least one of the at least one electrode resides in proximity to the portion of a dorsal root ganglion; and   providing a stimulating signal to the at least one of the at least one electrode so as to stimulate the portion of the dorsal root ganglion in a manner that affects the condition while not substantially stimulating the other portions.   
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the condition comprises pain. 
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein affecting the condition comprises alleviating the pain without causing a perceptible motor response. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the condition is sensed by a patient at a location within a dermatome, and wherein the other portions of the dorsal root ganglion are associated with other locations within the dermatome. 
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the stimulating signal has a current amplitude of less than or equal to approximately 4 mA. 
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the stimulating signal has a current amplitude of less than or equal 1 mA. 
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein positioning the lead comprises advancing the lead using an epidural approach.