Therapy device with current adjustment

Abstract

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

1 . A device for inducing electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), the device comprising:
 a controllable signal generator that produces an ECT stimulus having a pulsed electric current component having a constant amplitude of less than 500 mA.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , in which the amplitude of the pulsed electric current component is approximately 100 mA, and in which the controllable signal generator is structured to increase the amplitude of the pulsed electric current component of the ECT stimulus to a level above 100 mA. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , in which the amplitude of the pulsed electric current component is between 100 mA and 200 mA. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , in which the amplitude of the pulsed electric current component is between 100 mA and 400 mA 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , in which the amplitude of the pulsed electric current component is controllable by a user.