Mobile phone using non-invasive nerve stimulation

摘要

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a handheld stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a smartphone. A camera of the smartphone may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.

主权项

1. A system for treating a medical condition of a patient, comprising:
a stimulator comprising a housing having a contact surface comprising an electrically conductive material for contacting an outer skin surface of the patient, wherein the housing is configured for attachment and electrical coupling to a mobile device configured to receive a wireless signal; an energy source coupled to the stimulator and the mobile device, the energy source being configured to generate an electric field sufficient to transmit an electric current through the contact surface and the outer skin surface of the patient sufficient to modulate a nerve at a target region within the patient; and a filter coupled in series between the energy source and the contact surface for filtering high frequency components of the electric current.