Process and apparatus for improving neuronal performance

摘要

A method for improving neuronal performance of a target nerve of a patient according to one exemplary embodiment includes the step of: exposing the nerve to a pulsed magnetic field generated by DC current having a predetermined magnetic field strength at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined magnetic field strength and the predetermined frequency are selected such that an amplitude of a compound action potential of the target nerve increases as a result of the exposure and remains elevated for a time period after the exposure has ended.

主权项

1. A method for improving neuronal performance of a target nerve of a patient, comprising:
exposing the target nerve to a pulsed magnetic field generated by DC current having a predetermined magnetic field strength at a predetermined frequency; the pulsed magnetic field, in one cycle time, being the predetermined magnetic field strength for a first predetermined time and substantially zero for a second predetermined time; and increasing an amplitude of a compound action potential of the target nerve and maintaining an increase for a first time period after the pulsed magnetic field is stopped, the first time period being greater than a time period that the nerve is exposed to the pulsed magnetic field, increasing and maintaining being accomplished by controlling the magnetic field such that a strength of the magnetic field surrounding the target nerve is between about 15 mT and 25 mT at a frequency of between about 0.16 Hz and 0.5 Hz; the compound action potential being an electrical signal traveling through the target nerve; wherein the amplitude of the compound action potential is increased by at least about 25%.