The present invention pertains to a portable non-invasive electronic apparatus which can be used to relieve pain or alter the symptoms of certain neurological dysfunctions. A specifically contoured constant current and current limited waveform is generated and applied to selectively positioned electrodes. A program controlled processor tracks usage of the unit to prevent abuse and monitor progress. An overall treatment regimen centered on the stimulator may be effected simply and safely. The invention also provides an apparatus and method for the iontophoretic topical administration of a pharmaceutical agent. The apparatus is operated in a monopolar mode with a particular complex waveform which synergistically enhances the amount of various neurobiochemical species in the cerebral spinal fluid and the blood plasma.

The endogenous enhancement of antioxidants in a human being has the ability to reduce free radicals. Free radicals are linked to cell damage associated with aging and a wide variety of diseases. Exogenous administration of antioxidants has safety risks given that appropriate dosage levels are uncertain. Furthermore, some individuals taking rather large doses of antioxidants still have evidence of significant free radical production. The present invention provides the benefits of antioxidants through electrical stimulation that increases endogenous antioxidant levels without the need for exogenous supplements.

The endogenous enhancement of calcitonin in a human being has the ability to act as an analgesic and to treat osteoporosis, for example. Exogenous administration of calcitonin has disadvantages given its expense and the possible triggering of a hypersensitivity reaction and other side effects. The present invention provides the benefits of enhanced calcitonin through electrical stimulation that increases endogenous calcitonin levels without the need for exogenous administration of calcitonin.

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.

The endogenous enhancement of neurotensin, an endogenous tridecapeptide, has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic, neuroleptic and analgesic activity. Exogenous administration of neurotensin causes several side effects. The present invention provides electrical stimulation to increase endogenous neurotensin levels, which provides the benefits of neurotensin without eliciting the unwanted side effects.