Nerve stimulation devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for treating a patient that include delivering an electrical signal to a target nerve within the patient. The electrical signal has parameters selected to modulate the target nerve for therapeutic purposes to treat a disease or disorder in the patient.

1 . A method for treating a patient, the method comprising:
 delivering an electrical signal to a target nerve within the patient; and   wherein the electrical signal ha a frequency of about 750 Hz to about 1250 Hz.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of between about 20 to 1000 microseconds. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of about 50 to about 500 microseconds. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of about 200 microseconds 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has an amplitude of about 1 to about 6 volts. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a frequency of about 1000 Hz 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising implanting one or more electrodes at, or near, the target nerve. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is delivered via an implantable signal generator device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is sufficient to treat pain in the patient. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 positioning one or more electrodes at, or near, a spinal nerve; and 
 delivering a sufficient amount of the electrical signal to relieve pain in the patient. 
 
     
     
         11 . A method of treating a patient, the method comprising:
 delivering an electrical signal to a target nerve within the patient; and   wherein the electrical signal has a frequency of about 1000 Hz to about 2500 Hz.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of about 20 to about 1000 microseconds. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of about 50 to about 500 microseconds. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal has a pulse width of about 200 microseconds 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal has a frequency of about 1000 Hz. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising implanting the electrodes at, or near, the target nerve. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the electrical signal is delivered via an implantable signal generator device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal is sufficient to treat pain in the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising:
 positioning one or more electrodes near a spinal nerve; and 
 delivering a sufficient amount of the electrical signal to relieve pain in the patient.