In a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator for producing in a predetermined sequence of different types of waveforms (in which the frequency varies, the signal is successively and/or intermittently created, etc.), when the user depresses a predetermined switch while a desired waveform is being outputted, a low-frequency signal of the waveform is thereafter continuously produced. In a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator capable of selectively producing low-frequency signals of at least two different kinds, a kind of output signals at a termination of a treatment is stored in a memory such that a low-frequency signal of the stored kind is produced when the stimulator is started for a subsequent treatment.
A method and apparatus for eliciting a physiologically significant cough reflex, such as in a quadriplegic patient. The apparatus preferably at least one pair of electrodes which are positioned about or near the abdominal muscles. A pushbutton switch is preferably used to generate an input signal. An oscillator is preferably used to generate a stimulus pulse signal. The input signal and the stimulus pulse signal are computed into an output signal. The output signal is transformed into a pulse electrical voltage which is delivered across each pair of electrodes. Such pulse electrical voltage activates the lower motor neurons and thereby contracts the abdominal muscles to elicit a physiologically significant cough reflex.
A medical stimulator provides periodic treatment modes featuring an on time in which a pulse train of stimulation signals are delivered to the patient, and an off time in which no stimulation signals are provided. The rate and/or intensity of the pulse train may be modulated during the on time cycles. An intensity control is provided to allow the patient to increase or decrease intensity at any time. When the intensity control is actuated by the patient, the pulse train is automatically switched to a continuous mode in which a continuous train of pulses is provided while intensity is adjusted.
For an apparatus for electrotherapeutic applications operating in the medium-frequency range between 1000 Hz and 100,000 Hz where, in relation to a body part to be treated, a circuit with medium-frequency current (MF current) is applied across two electrodes, the invention proposes to keep the amplitude of the MF current constant and to modulate the frequency by one thousand to several thousand Hz (corner frequencies) with a modulation frequency of >0 to several hundred Hz (for instance 200 Hz) in order to generate in synchronism with the modulation frequency action potentials in the treatment area.
An electronic neuromuscular stimulation device (10) that is operated by a computerized electronic control unit (20). The unit (20) includes at least two and preferably four output channels to which are connected a corresponding set of electrode output cables (12). Each cable has attached a positive electrode (12D) and a negative electrode (12E) that are attached to selected areas of a patient's anatomy. The unit (20) also includes controls, indicators, and circuitry that produce nerve stimulation pulses that are applied to the patient through the electrodes (12D,12E). The nerve stimulation pulses consist of individual pulses that are arranged into pulse trains and pulse train patterns. The pulse train patterns, whose selection depends on the type of ailment being treated, includes sequential patterns, delayed overlapping patterns, triple-phase overlapping patterns, reciprocal pulse trains, and delayed sequenced "sprint interval" patterns. The overlapping patterns are particularly timed to take advantage of neurological enhancement.
A multi-functional electrical stimulation (ES) system adapted to yield output signals for effecting faradic, electromagnetic or other forms of electrical stimulation for a broad spectrum of different biological and bio-medical applications. The system includes an ES signal stage having a selector coupled to a plurality of different signal generators, each generator producing a signal having a distinct shape such as a sine, a square or sawtooth wave, or a simple or complex pulse form the parameters of which are adjustable in regard to amplitude, duration, repetition rate and other variables. The signal from the selected generator in the ES stage is fed to at least one output stage where it is processed to produce a high or low voltage or current output of a desired polarity whereby the output stage is capable of yielding an electrical stimulation signal appropriate for its intended application. Also included in the system is a measuring stage which measures and displays the electrical stimulation signal operating on the substance being treated as well as the outputs of various sensors which sense conditions prevailing in this substance whereby the user of the system can adjust it to yield an electrical stimulation signal of whatever type he wishes and can then observe the effects of this signal on a substance being treated.
