Devices and methods for treating restless leg syndrome

Abstract

A method and system for treating restless leg syndrome. The system includes a vibration generator and a controller operable to provide counter-stimulation vibration to a patient suffering from restless leg syndrome. The counter-stimulation may be provided at a frequency of between 1 cycle/minute to 1000 cycles per second and at an amplitude and duration sufficient to act as a counter-stimulation vibration to restless leg syndrome but low enough to allow the patient to sleep.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for generating a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from restless leg syndrome, the system comprising:
 a vibration generator configured and arranged to generate a counter-stimulation vibration in a patient suffering from restless leg syndrome, the counter-stimulation having a frequency of between 1 cycle/minute to 1000 cycles per second and an amplitude and duration sufficient to act as a counter-stimulation vibration to restless leg syndrome but low enough to allow the patient to sleep;   a controller configured and arranged to drive the vibration generator, said controller operable to terminate vibrations after a period of vibration; and   a base configured and arranged to hold the vibration generator adjacent to a patient, the vibration generator attached to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to ramp down the counter-stimulation, after a period of vibration, so as not to waken the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the vibration generator comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a piezo-chip, a loudspeaker, a motor with an eccentric weight, and a solenoid. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein the vibration generator comprises an electric motor having a shaft, and a weight having a hole therein, the weight positioned on the shaft, the hole located at a position offset from a center of mass of the weight. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 4 , further comprising: a housing attached to the base; and wherein the weight is located in the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a flexible sheet. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein the sheet comprises a foam sheet, the vibration generator positioned in the foam sheet. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a rigid shell having at least one housing, the vibration generator located in the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the vibration generator comprises a mechanical vibrator. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the rigid shell comprises a hole sized and adapted to receive the kneecap of the patient. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the rigid shell is shaped to at least in part conformingly fit over the thigh of the patient. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the rigid shell is shaped to conformingly fit over the calf of the patient. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a flexible and elastic sleeve having at least one pocket, the vibration generator positioned in the at least one pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising: a plurality of vibration generators attached to the base and in communication with the controller. 
     
     
         15 . A method of treating restless leg syndrome, the method comprising:
 vibrating a portion of a patient experiencing restless leg syndrome with a vibration generator at a frequency of between 1 cycle/minute to 1000 cycles per second at an amplitude and duration sufficient to act as a counter-stimulation vibration to restless leg syndrome but low enough to allow the patient to sleep; and   performing said stimulating step while (1) the patient is attempting to sleep and (2) while the patient is experiencing symptoms of restless leg symptoms.   
     
     
         16 . A method of  claim 15 , the method further comprising the step of:
 ramping down the counter-stimulation vibration so as not to waken or alarm the patient.   
     
     
         17 . A method of treating restless leg syndrome, the method comprising:
 applying a counter-stimulation generation device to a leg of a patient experiencing restless leg syndrome, said counter-stimulation generation device comprising a vibration generator, a controller operable to drive the counter-stimulation generation device, and a sleeve or pad for holding the vibration generator, said vibration generator operable to generate a counter-stimulation having a frequency of between 1 cycle/minute to 1000 cycles per second of an amplitude, and time duration sufficient to relieve restless leg syndrome symptoms but low enough to allow the patient to sleep;   operating the counter-stimulation generation device to provide counter-stimulating vibration to the legs of the patient, at the onset of a restless leg syndrome episode.   
     
     
         18 . A method of  claim 17 , the method further comprising the step of:
 ramping down the counter-stimulation vibration so as not to waken or alarm the patient.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein counter-stimulating vibration is initiated while the patient is awake;
 and wherein said vibrating is insufficient to prevent the patient from falling asleep.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the vibrating step is accomplished with an amplitude in the range of about 0.002 inches to about 0.75 inches.