Low Frequency Non-Invasive Sensorial Stimulation For Seizure Control

摘要

Example apparatus and methods reduce epileptic seizures in a human patient by non-invasively providing low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) audio stimuli coordinated with low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) visual stimuli to the patient. The signals are provided non-invasively through the eyes and ears. The audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be selected or coordinated based on a state (e.g., hyperexcitability, imminent epileptic seizure, epileptic seizure in progress, REM sleep) determined from an EEG signal acquired from the patient. Apparatus for delivering the audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be incorporated into a single wearable apparatus (e.g., glasses with earphones, hat, headband). The single wearable apparatus may also provide noise cancellation and visual stimulus diminution. The audio stimuli may be incorporated into music or random background noise.

主权项

1. An apparatus for reducing epileptic seizures in a human patient by non-invasively providing coordinated low frequency audio stimuli and low frequency visual stimuli to the patient, the apparatus comprising:
a visual signal output device that provides an external visual stimulus having a frequency of 1-10 Hz to the visual system of the patient; an audio signal output device that provides an external audible stimulus having a frequency of 1-10 Hz to the hearing system of the patient; and an audio/visual signal device that controls the visual signal output device and the audio signal output device to coordinate the presentation of the visual stimulus and the audible stimulus.