U.S. patent application number 11/533409 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device and method using microcurrent.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATLANTIC MEDICAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Edward L. JR. PAUL.
Application Number | 20070016266 11/533409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29736498 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070016266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PAUL; Edward L. JR. |
January 18, 2007 |
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING
MICROCURRENT
Abstract
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device and method
using a microcurrent with a carrier signal and a square wave form
for promoting cell repair and/or healing. It has been found that
applying particular wave forms of direct current with a carrier
wave signal with specified intervals promotes cell healing
especially in treatment of macular degeneration. This method and
nerve stimulation device is packaged to require no input from a
user and a user must only apply the electrodes to the correct part
of the body and start the preprogrammed sequence of electrical
currents. The method involves applying bursts of direct current at
higher frequencies for shorter periods of time followed by lower
frequency bursts of electrical current for longer periods of
time.
Inventors: |
PAUL; Edward L. JR.;
(Wilmington, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF SANTOS & GREENWALD, P.C.
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Assignee: |
ATLANTIC MEDICAL, INC.
1213 Culbreth Drive
Wilmington
NC
|
Family ID: |
29736498 |
Appl. No.: |
11/533409 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10457857 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
|
|
|
11533409 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
60388577 |
Jun 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/326 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/050 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/00 20060101
A61N001/00 |
Claims
1. A microcurrent transcutaneous electrical stimulation device for
promotion of healing and cell repair comprising: (a) at least a
first and a second electrode for making surface contact applying an
electrical current though a user's skin; (b) means for applying an
electrical current across said first electrode and said second
electrode, said electrical current applied using a direct current
carrier signal frequency from 10,000 Hz, to 20,000 Hz, said
electrical current in a range from 1 microamp to 1,000 microamps;
(c) means for modulating said electrical current on and off at a
preset frequency for a preset period of time, said preset
frequencies from 0.1 Hz to 400 Hz; (d) said preset frequency
starting at a first frequency for a first period of time with at
least a second frequency less than said first frequency and applied
for a second time said second time longer than said first time; and
(e) means for controlling said means for applying and said means
for modulating so that said first and said second preset
frequencies are applied automatically by said means for controlling
without requiring input from a user.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein there is a third preset frequency,
said third preset frequency lower than said second preset frequency
and a third preset period of time, said third preset period of time
longer than said second preset period of time.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein there is a fourth preset frequency
and a fourth preset period of time, said fourth preset frequency
lower than said third preset frequency and said fourth period of
time longer than said third period of time.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said first frequency is more than
100 Hz but less than or equal to 400 Hz and said first period of
time is more than 30 seconds but less than 90 seconds.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said second frequency is more than
10 Hz but less than or equal to 100 Hz and said second period of
time is more than 90 seconds but less than 150 seconds.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said third frequency is more than
1 Hz but less than or equal to 10 Hz and said third period of time
is more than 180 seconds but less than 270 seconds.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein said fourth frequency is more than
0.1 Hz but less than or equal to 1 Hz and said fourth period of
time is more than 270 seconds but less than 500 seconds.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said means for modulating further
include means for applying said preset frequency in a square wave
form.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said means for applying electrical
current further includes means for reversing the polarity of said
electrical current at a preset interval of time.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein said reversal of polarity happens
at a frequency no greater than one reversal per second but no less
than one reversal of polarity every five seconds.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. patent Ser. No.
10/457,857 filed Jun. 10, 2003 which claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional application 60/388,577 filed Jun. 13, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) apparatus for use for
therapeutic purposes. This device proposes using electrical current
in the microamp range (less than one milliamp) for specific wave
forms and carrier waves. The treatment duration is of a definite
length and sequence with proposed automatic controls. The wave
form, the current, and the duration of treatment are all designed
to maximize therapeutic benefits. Microcurrent is defined as
current below one milliamp. For pain treatment, it is believed that
the microcurrent blocks neural transmission of pain signals and
stimulates release of endorphins known to be naturally occurring
pain relieving chemicals. The combination of the blocking of the
pain signals and release of the endorphins provides for relief of
both chronic and acute pain. It is also believed that microcurrent
stimulation can promote healing or cell repair. The exact mechanism
of promotion of cell repair is unknown. However, it is believed
that this can be done by increasing blood vessel permeability,
increasing adenosine triphosphate levels, or restoring cellular
electrical balances by changing electric potentials across cell
membranes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One TENS device is described in the Rossen U.S. Pat. No.
4,989,605. It is believed this device has been sold on the market
by the trade name "MicroStim". The Rossen '605 patent discloses a
microcurrent TENS unit that uses a unique wave form. It is proposed
the current is from 250 microamps up to about 900 microamps with a
peak current of six milliamps. The current is applied through a
pair of electrodes in the form of high-frequency monophasic bursts
of a direct current with a carrier signal from around 10,000 Hz to
19,000 Hz. The signal is modulated at a relatively lower frequency
(0.3 Hz up to 10,000 Hz). These modulated carrier signals are from
about 0.05 seconds to 10 seconds in duration with above one second
being the preferred duration. The electrodes are reversed as
simulating a biphasic form yet the character is a monophasic DC
signal. The Rossen patent is for palliative pain treatment
only.
[0004] The Wallace U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,864 proposes that macular
degeneration or other ocular pathology may be treated by placing a
positive electrode of a direct microcurrent source in contact with
the closed eyelid of the subject and placing a negative electrode
away from the eye of the subject, preferably on the neck of the
subject. These electrodes apply a constant direct current of 200
microamps for approximately 10 minutes. It is proposed that this
device can be portable and battery powered, hence allowing a
subject undergoing the treatment to ambulate during the treatment.
The Wallace patent proposes using microcurrent to treat macular
degeneration but does not disclose the mechanism by which positive
results are obtained.
[0005] The Jarding et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,735 proposes digital
control of the modulation frequency of the microcurrent signal. The
modulation frequency is controlled by a digital data word. A
controller is coupled to a digital analog converter and supplies
the digital analog converter with digital data words to generate an
electrical signal for the microcurrent stimulation therapy. It is
believed that this form of microcurrent therapy may be particularly
useful in macular degeneration. More specifically, the Jarding
patent proposes that adenosine triphosphate levels in cells can be
affected by appropriate electrical stimulation. Jarding proposes
that electrical stimulation to the cells increases blood vessel
permeability, increasing ATP levels and increasing protein
synthesis. Therefore, Jarding concludes that microcurrent
stimulation can help rejuvenate cells in the retina to slow or stop
degeneration of the eye due to age-related macular degeneration.
Therefore, Jarding proposes a computer controlled electrical
stimulation to maximize therapeutic benefits by varying the types
of wave forms and frequency ranges used in the therapy.
[0006] Another problem present in the use of TENS units for
therapeutic or palliative effect is patient compliance. Wingrove
patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,458 proposes a compliance monitor to
determine if the patient is using the TENS unit in accordance with
instructions or prescriptions. Another problem with conventional
TENS units is they can be bulky or difficult to control. This can
especially apply to individuals who have some disability or who are
in acute pain. Michelson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,955 proposes a
miniature wireless TENS unit. A remote controller sends
transmission signals to a receiver within an electronic module with
the TENS unit allowing the patient to program specific units in a
specific way. The TENS unit itself may be incorporated within a
bandage or electrode package and worn directly on the patient's
body.
[0007] It has also been proposed, at least in a research context,
that the wrong current levels used in transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation can actually reduce ATP levels and may cause more
harm than good. Research by Ngok Chen would demonstrate, at least
in rats, that current levels in the microamp range tended to
increase ATP concentration in cells while currents in the milliamp
range tended to lower ATP concentration in cells. (Sec Chen, The
Effects of Electrical Current on ATP Generation, Protein Synthesis,
and Membrane Transport in Rat Skin, Clinical Orthopedics Research,
171, November-December 1982, pp. 264-271) It has also been
suggested by Thomas W. Wing, D. C., N. D. that direct current
employing a carrier wave with a low frequency is very helpful
triggering the repair process in muscles. Wing suggested only very
low levels of stimulation are required if the effect of the direct
electrical current at a low frequency was the triggering of the
body's natural repair cycle. Wing suggests that low frequencies of
0.1 to 0.3 Hz produce lasting therapeutic effects, but pain relief
is more rapid at higher frequencies in the 10 to 100 Hz range.
Thomas W. Wing, D. C., N. D. Chiropractic Economics, March/April
1987. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of TENS
units for symptomatic relief of chronic pain and to manage post
surgical traumatic pain problems. The therapeutic use to treat
macular degeneration proposed by Wallace et al in the '864 patent
is an off label use of a TENS device, that is, this use is not
approved by the FDA. However, in order to obtain FDA approval for a
TENS unit for treatment of degenerative diseases such as macular
eye disease, tissue repair, and cell regeneration, require proof of
effectiveness. Proof is obtained through double blind, randomized,
and multi-site clinical trials. It is believed such trials are
underway to document effectiveness of a TENS unit for the treatment
of age related macular degeneration.
[0008] The use of a TENS unit both for palliative and therapeutic
treatment is well established, but the precise mechanism by which
it operates is not fully understood. This means that even small
differences in how an electrical current is applied can have
unpredictably large changes in the therapeutic outcome. That is to
say, a current of 200 microamps might be therapeutic, while a
current of 400 microamps might actually be harmful. By the same
token, such factors as whether the current is applied in a wave
form, whether the polarity of the current alternates, and the like
all can have important impacts in either the palliative or the
therapeutic effect. Consequently, the optimal use of a TENS unit
for either palliative or therapeutic effects proceeds more by
experimentation than by theoretical design. That is to say, there
is no theory by which one can design an ideal or maximally
beneficial treatment modality for a particular TENS unit, then
experiment to confirm the correctness of the program. Theory may
point one in the right direction, but then an inventor must use
intuition, clinical judgement, and experimentation to arrive at a
therapeutic program giving maximum benefits.
[0009] Despite this earlier work there is still need for a TENS
unit and treatment method to meet specific goals and needs. First,
in the correct method, the TENS units must always operate in a
current range that maximizes the benefits of the electrical nerve
stimulation. Second, the duration and frequency of the electrical
stimulation must be controlled to maximize the benefits. Third,
control of the TENS unit should be designed to maximize compliance
of a patient. Therefore, it is an object of the current invention
to provide a fully automated and computer controlled microcurrent
stimulation device. It is a further object of the invention to
administer a therapeutic electrical current in the microamp range,
always less than one milliamp. It is a further object of the
invention that the current be administered in a square wave form in
a sequential pattern of specific electrical bursts with frequencies
between 0.1 Hz and 300 Hz. It is a further object of the invention
to control the duration of the application of each electrical
current bursts with the specified frequency for a specific period
of time and sequence the application of the current controlled by
an internal control to minimize patient compliance issues and to
maximize benefit. It is a further object of this invention to
periodically reverse the polarity of the current flow at specific
intervals. It is a further object of this invention to give visual
and audible cues as to the treatment being administered at any
given time. It is an object of the invention to provide minimal
controls or requirements for patient input or control. It is a
further object of the invention that the TENS unit will be
ergonomically designed and easily used by those with physical
disabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present consists of a microcurrent stimulator ordinarily
housed in a rigid casing. Inside that casing are controls to
produce and apply a microcurrent transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation. The controls are preprogrammed to provide a
therapeutic level of electrocurrent in the microamperage range in a
square wave form with a specific sequential pattern of specific
electrical bursts with specific frequencies and to reverse the
current flow at specific time intervals by reversing the electrode
polarity. The application of the specific electrical carrier
frequencies and microamperage current is controlled for duration
and is sequenced by the control. Ordinarily, there will be both
visual and audible cues given to a user by the microcurrent
stimulator. The multiple frequencies begin with a higher frequency
and work down to a lower frequency.
[0011] This microcurrent stimulation unit has minimal settings
adjustments or controls for patient use. It is believed the
microcurrent stimulation device should be preset by a physician or
other clinician at specific durations and frequencies to maximize
therapeutic benefit. A specific carrier frequency would be used in
the range of 10,000 Hz to 15,000 Hz. The current will be delivered
in the microamp range less than one milliamp. A square wave form
will be employed. Specific electrical bursts with specific
frequencies, no more than 300 Hz and no less than 0.1 Hz, will be
employed. A typical pattern of bursts would be a 292 Hz frequency
applied for 60 seconds, a 30 Hz frequency applied for 120 seconds,
a 9.1 Hz frequency applied for 180 seconds, and a 0.3 Hz applied
for 360 seconds. The electrode polarity will be reversed every two
seconds. A therapeutic program will ordinarily be in the range of
12 minutes of duration according to a pre-programmed, pre-set
treatment sequence with controlled current levels and wave forms to
have the greatest therapeutic value. As the therapeutic program is
being administered, the unit will have visual and audible waves of
signaling to a user the progress of the therapy program. The unit
will have ways of alerting a user to malfunctions or to
low-battery. Other features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent in the Detailed Description of the Drawings, which
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows the microcurrent stimulation device.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the essential components of the
microcurrent stimulation device.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the current
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows the microcurrent stimulation device (10).
Ordinarily, there is a box (11) with various components and
controls. Connected to the box (11) are at least two electrodes
(22) and (22A) that connect to the box (11) as part of the
microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10). If the polarity of the
current is reversed as part of a treatment method, then more than
two electrodes may be employed. Electrodes (22) and (22A) connect
by means of wires (20) and (20A) and probes (15) and (iSA) to
electrode jacks (14) and (14A) in the front of the box (11).
Electrodes (22) and (22A) will be applied to a user completing an
electrical circuit which allows a microcurrent to pass from one
electrode through the body of the user to the other electrode to
complete the circuit. Contained within the box (11) are control
circuitry and microprocessors which may be programmed to provide
particular types of current in particular wave forms, as will be
explained later in the application. On the front of the box (11) is
a turn dial control knob (60) that controls the amount of current
passing through the electrodes (22) and (22A) and from jacks (14)
to (14A) or vice versa. There is a slide on/off switch (40) and an
indicator light (41) that indicates when the microcurrent nerve
stimulation device is operating. Ordinarily, batteries will supply
the power, which are contained in the battery unit (30) on the
front of the box (11). Alternately a direct current to power the
microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) may be supplied through
the power jack (32), shown on the side of the box (11). When the
indicator (41) is dim or not on, it means that the batteries (30)
are low and need replacing or that no power is being supplied
through the power jack (32). Disposed on the right-hand side of the
box (11), from the viewer's perspective, are four program indicator
lights (50, 51, 52, 53).
[0016] To use the microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10), the
user will ordinarily apply the electrodes (22) and (22A) to a
prescribed place as determined by a health care provider. The leads
(15) and (15A) will be connected to the input jacks (14) and (14A).
The on/off switch (40) will turn the device on and the control knob
(60) will be adjusted by a user to the appropriate amount of
current. Typically, a user will turn the control knob (60) to a
level of current where a mild tingle indicating electrical current
will be felt, then the control knob (60) will be adjusted downward
to reduce the amount of current to where the current is no longer a
perceptible tingle to a user. The microcurrent nerve stimulation
device (10) will then begin to follow a pre-programmed sequence in
which current will be provided with a particular frequency and wave
form. In the preferred program, current will be provided in a
square wave form at a frequency of 292 Hz for 60 seconds. During
those 60 seconds the program indicator light (50) is lit, which
advises the user that the program is underway. When the current
applied at 292 Hz for 60 seconds stops, an audible tone will sound
and the next step in the therapy program will begin. Here, program
indicator light (51) will light, current will be provided at 30 Hz
for 120 seconds. At the conclusion of this step in the therapy
program, a tone will sound again. The program indicator light (51)
will dim and program indicator light (52) will light. This
indicates that current will be provided at 9.1 Hz for 180 seconds.
A third tone will sound indicating that step in the therapy program
is over. Program indicator light (52) will dim and program
indicator light (53) will light up. Current will be provided for
0.3 Hz for 360 seconds. At the conclusion of this therapy, a tone
will again sound and the therapy program will end and the
microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) will stop the therapy
program. During the therapy program the polarity of the electrodes
(22) and (22A) will reverse every two seconds. At this point, a
user will remove the electrodes (22) and (22A), turn the on/off
switch (40) to off, and the microcurrent nerve stimulation device
(10) is ready to begin another treatment program or maybe stored
until required for further use.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the electrical components
for an embodiment of the microcurrent stimulation device (10) as
seen in FIG. 1. A more complete description of electrical
components of one embodiment is shown in the circuit diagram in
FIG. 3. There is a direct current power supply (200). In a
commercial embodiment, this could be a nine-volt battery or
household current adopter to supply nine volts to a connection or
jack provided on the microcurrent stimulation device (10) as shown
in FIG. 1. Current flows through an on/off switch (205) to voltage
convertor (210) to a regulator (220) and to a oscillator (230).
Current flows from the regulator (220) and oscillator (230) to a
frequency divider (250). A constant current source (260) receives
current from the frequency divider (250) and from the voltage
convertor (210) then passes from the constant current source to a
first electrode (260). A circuit is completed from the first
electrode (260) through the patient (not shown) to a second
electrode (265). Current returns to the constant current source
(260) to the voltage convertor (210) through an amplitude control
(70) and then to the power source (200) to complete the
circuit.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a commercial embodiment of a
microcurrent stimulation device (iO). Standard symbols and
terminology are used in labeling the circuit diagram shown in FIG.
3. For simplicity of the diagram, the potentiometer labeled "VR1"
is shown in two places on the circuit diagram, but in the actual
circuit there is only one VR1 potentiometer. This is indicated by
the letter "A" with a circle around it and the arrow. This points
to the same part. It will be understood that there is not two
potentiometers, but only one from 5K to 85K resistance. A materials
list is given below. The standard devices in FIG. 3 are labeled in
accordance with the materials list. Controls are provided by five
computer chips. Four chips are a high-density photocoupler chip.
One chip that has been found to work in practice is manufactured by
the Sharp Company and assigned product #PC817X. One chip is a
programmable read only memory chip. One chip that has been found to
work in practice is manufactured by Microchip. It is a 28 Pin, 8
Bit Micro Controller Chip and is assigned part #P1C16C628-04. This
chip is equipped with timers, data memory, and other features
required to produce and control appropriate microcurrent output and
polarity. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that
such standard things as diodes, resistors, capacitors,
transformers, transistor switches and the like, which appear on the
circuit diagram, can be varied without departing from the
essentials of the invention, which is to produce microcurrents with
specified wave forms and carrier frequencies timed in a way to
maximize the benefit and to induce patient compliance.
TABLE-US-00001 MATERIALS LIST RESISTORS R.sub.1 - JUMPER WIRE (no
resistor) R.sub.2 - 680 .OMEGA. R.sub.3 - 680 .OMEGA. R.sub.4 - 680
.OMEGA. R.sub.5 - 680 .OMEGA. R.sub.6 - 1 .OMEGA./1 W R.sub.7 - 1
.OMEGA./1 W R.sub.8 - 1 K/2 W R.sub.9 - 10 K.OMEGA. R.sub.10 - 2K2
R.sub.11 - 330 .OMEGA. R.sub.12 - 3K9 R.sub.13 - 390 .OMEGA.
R.sub.14 - 1 K.OMEGA. R.sub.15 - 3K3 R.sub.16 - 22 k.OMEGA.
R.sub.17 - 10 k.OMEGA. R.sub.18 - 10 k.OMEGA. DIODES D.sub.1 - 4007
D.sub.2 - 4007 D.sub.3 - 4007 D.sub.4 - 4148 D.sub.5 - 4148 D.sub.6
- 4148 D.sub.7 - 4148 BUZZER BZ1 - 080 ON-OFF Switch CAPACITORS
C.sub.1 - 22 pf C.sub.2 - 22 pf C.sub.3 - 220 .mu.f/16 v C.sub.4 -
104 pf C.sub.5 - 100 .mu.f/16 v C.sub.6 - 104 pf TRANSISTORS
Q.sub.1 - C1815 Q.sub.2 - B649 Q.sub.3 - B649 Q.sub.4 - DB82
Q.sub.5 - D471 Q.sub.6 - D471 INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIPS IS01 - PC817
IS02 - PC817 IS03 - PC817 IS04 - PC817 PIC 16C628 - 04/SF D21605M
UT78L05 LEDS LED.sub.1 - Dipole LED LED.sub.2 - Green LED 5 mm
LED.sub.3 - Green LED 5 mm LED.sub.4 - Green LED 5 mm LED.sub.5 -
Green LED 5 mm CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR H8.000E4 2 TRANSFORMERS POT (VRI)
5 k (85 k) PRESET VARIABLE RESISTANCE SVRI - 103 (10 k) SVR2 - 503
(50 k) ON-OFF Switch
[0019] The treatment protocol employing the embodiment described in
FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 can be used specifically to treat macular
degeneration of an eye. It is believed this operates, at least in
part, by stimulating cell activities producing an increased ATP
concentration. In this specific treatment protocol, a patient will
first prepare the appropriate skin area by careful washing and
drying to remove skin oils, cosmetics, or other foreign materials
from the skin surface. A patient will connect a pair of electrode
pads (not shown) to the electrode input jacks (14) and (14A) on the
microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10). The electrode pads (not
shown) ordinarily have a sticky surface so that they will adhere to
the skin. An electrode pad is placed on the back of each hand. An
electrode pad is placed on the closed eyelid of each eye. If the
microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) is not already on, the
control switch (40) will be turned to on and the intensity knob
will be adjusted to intensity to a preset figure on the intensity
knob, usually `8`. Then the knob will be individually adjusted by a
user to that user's comfort level according to a set of
instructions provided with the unit. Only current in a
predetermined microamperage is applied.
[0020] The microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) is programmed
to deliver 12 minutes of treatment for treatment of macular
degeneration. The microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) is
also programmed to audibly notify a user as the treatment proceeds
at each stage of the treatment. For treatment of macular
degeneration, there will be a first current at a frequency of 292
Hz with a square wave form for 60 seconds. The amperage output will
be no more than 999 microamps. When the 60-second application at
292 Hz is complete, a first beep will sound. The microcurrent nerve
stimulation device (10) will automatically start a second
microcurrent stimulation at 30 Hz for 120 seconds. Ordinarily, the
amount of amperage will not be adjusted and will remain constant
throughout the treatment. When the 120-second application is
complete, a second audible tone will sound and the third period of
microcurrent stimulation will begin. Again, it will be controlled
automatically by the microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) to
apply 9.1 Hz frequency at 180 seconds. A third tone will sound and
the microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) will start a fourth
sequence at a frequency of 0.3 Hz for 360 seconds. At the
completion of this, a fourth tone will sound, which will also
notify the user that the treatment is complete. During the
treatment the microcurrent nerve stimulation device (10) will
reverse the polarity of the electrodes every two seconds. If a user
experiences discomfort during application of the treatment, the
intensity knob (60) will be adjusted downward to a position where
the user will no longer experience discomfort. The treatment is
ordinarily administered twice a day once in the morning and once in
the evening. It has been found in practice that stimulating with a
square wave form for the intervals and frequencies described above
is an effective treatment for macular degeneration.
Case Histories
[0021] Case history #1 is an eighty-year-old white female with a
five-year history of age-related macular degeneration. The
diagnosis was confirmed by a board certified retinal specialist
ophthalmologist. The patient's medical history for her eyes
indicated she was pseudophakic in both eyes with cataract surgery
seven years prior to treatment. The chief complaint was decreased
central vision acuity progressing to the point of loss of driving
privilege. The remainder of the medical history was unremarkable
and the patient's other medications were unremarkable.
[0022] Entrance visual acuity on her initial examination was 20/80
OD and 20/160 OS. A computerized Macular Mapping Test (MMT) was
performed showing a central scotoma in the right eye with an
adjusted score of 70.50 and a central scotoma in the left eye with
an adjusted score of 69.00. Pupils are reactive and equal and her
external and internal eye exam were within
[0023] normal limits with the exception of IOL's OU and age-related
macular degeneration. Based upon the confirmed diagnosis
age-related macular degeneration, the patient was started on
microcurrent stimulation therapy. Her treatment protocol consisted
of two, twelve minute sessions each day. Each session consisted of
500-800 microamps of current at four separate electrical
frequencies. 292 Hz for 60 seconds, 30 Hz for 120 seconds, 9.1 Hz
for 180 seconds, and 0.3 Hz for 360 seconds.
[0024] After four days of microcurrent stimulation therapy, the
patient reported an improvement in her subjective ability to see.
Visual acuity was reevaluated and found to have improved to 20/60
OD and 20/100 OS. MMT was repeated and showed a decrease in the
size of the central scotomas in both eyes with adjusted scores of
96.50 OD and 93.00 OS. The therapy was continued with two, twelve
minute sessions each day and at six weeks the patient was evaluated
by her original retinal specialist. He confirmed that her visions
had indeed stabilized and improved.
[0025] Case history #2 is a 55 year old professional white male.
The patients had a two-year history of age-related macular
degeneration with the diagnosis confirmed by three separate
ophthalmologists. He was on medical disability from his employment
because of visual disability. The medical history for the patient
was otherwise unremarkable and no other eye pathology was
reported.
[0026] Entrance visual acuity measured 20/40 OD and 20/50 OS.
Amsier grid testing reveals metamorphopsia in both eyes. Pupils are
reactive and equal. The fundus exam reveals drusen in the posterior
pole of both eyes which is indicative of macular degeneration. The
rest of the ocular exam is within normal limits with no other
ocular pathology present. Based upon the confirmed diagnosis
age-related macular degeneration, the patient was started on
microcurrent stimulation therapy. His treatment protocol consisted
of two, twelve minute sessions each day. Each session consisted of
500-800 microamps of current at four separate electrical
frequencies. 292 Hz for 60 seconds, 30 Hz for 120 seconds, 9.1 Hz
for 180 seconds, and 0.3 Hz for 360 seconds.
[0027] After five days, the patient was reevaluated. Visual acuity
had improved to 20/25 OD and 20/30 OS. There had been a subjective
improvement in the patient's ability to read comfortably and
without visual stress. Amsler grid testing revealed persistent
metamorphopsia, however it was less pronounced. The patient
continued with two, twelve minute therapy sessions each day and was
able to resume work. Upon reexamination by his original
ophthalmologist, he was told that his macular degeneration had
actually reversed and his vision had improved.
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