Method and system for modulating neural activity in a limb

摘要

Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by cyclically blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures are disclosed. In an aspect, neural activity is blocked cyclically with a blocking stimulus source positioned adjacent a skin surface in a vicinity of a nerve. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an immune or inflammatory response or process.

主权项

1. A method of modulating an immune or inflammatory response or process in a subject in need thereof, comprising:
receiving a signal indicative of at least one of a first activity state and a second activity state of a subject; delivering a blocking stimulus sufficient to produce a reversible conduction block in at least a portion of a sensory nerve of the subject, the blocking stimulus delivered in response to receipt of the signal indicative of at least one of the first activity state and the second activity state of the subject, wherein the blocking stimulus is delivered by a blocking stimulus source positioned substantially adjacent a skin surface in the vicinity of the sensory nerve; and repeating delivery of the blocking stimulus in a cyclical application pattern, the cyclical application pattern including:
a blocking period during which the blocking stimulus is applied at least intermittently, the blocking period coinciding at least in part with the first activity state in the subject; anda release period during which no blocking stimulus is applied, the release period coinciding at least in part with the second activity state in the subject.