Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient

Abstract

The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 identifying a patient as suffering from a neurological dysfunction;   identifying one or more potential target neural populations by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation to the patient and monitoring the patient's response;   selecting a target neural population from the one or more potential target neural populations;   implanting a cortical surface electrode beneath the patient's skull, outside a cortical surface of the patient's bran and proximate to the target neural population; and   applying electrical signals to the target neural population via the electrode to address the patient's dysfunction.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein identifying a patient as suffering from a neurological dysfunction includes identifying the patient as suffering from depression. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33  wherein monitoring the patient's response includes monitoring the patient's performance of a mental process. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33  wherein monitoring the patient's response includes monitoring the patient's performance of a memorization task. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33  wherein monitoring the patient's response includes monitoring the patient's movement of a body part. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 33  wherein selecting includes selecting the target neural population from among a plurality of potential target neural populations identified by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation to the patient. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 33  wherein implanting a cortical surface electrode includes implanting a cortical surface electrode at a site ipsilateral to a body part impaired by the neural dysfunction, the body part being external to the patient's brain. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 33  wherein implanting a cortical surface electrode includes implanting a cortical surface electrode at a site contralateral to a portion of the patient's brain adversely affected by the neurological dysfunction. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 33  wherein applying electrical signals includes applying electrical signals at a subthreshold level for neurons at the target neural population. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 33  wherein selecting a target neural population includes selecting a target neural population based at least in part on an expected neuroplastic activity related to a neurological function that is adversely affected by the patient's neurological dysfunction. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 33  wherein applying electrical stimulation includes applying electrical stimulation to have an effect lasting for an extended period after the stimulation is halted. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising directing the patient to engage in an adjunctive therapy as part of a treatment regimen that includes applying the electrical signals to the target neural population. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44  wherein the adjunctive therapy includes a behavioral therapy. 
     
     
         46 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 identifying a patient as suffering from depression;   identifying one or more potential target neural populations by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation to the patient and monitoring the patient's response;   selecting a target neural population from the one or more potential target neural populations;   implanting an array of cortical surface electrodes beneath the patient's skull, outside a cortical surface of the patient's bran and proximate to the target neural population; and   applying electrical signals to the target neural population via the electrodes to address the patient's depression.