Neural stimulation system and method responsive to collateral neural activity

Abstract

A neural stimulation system responsive to collateral neural activity that may arise in association with a neural stimulation procedure includes a stimulation interface configured to deliver stimulation signals to a target neural population, a monitoring interface positioned to receive signals corresponding to a neural activity within the target neural population, a stimulus unit coupled to deliver stimulation singals to the stimulation interface, and a sensing unit coupled to the monitoring device and the stimulus unit. The neural stimulation procedure may be directed toward rehabilitating, restoring, and/or enhancing one or more neural functions by facilitating and/or effectuating a neuroplastic change or reorganization; and/or affecting a neurological condition that exists on a continuous or essentially continuous basis absent the stimulation procedure. The sensing unit determines whether evidence of an collateral neural activity exists, whereupon the stimulus unit attempts to abate the collateral neural activity.

I/we claim: 
     
         1 . A neural stimulation system comprising:
 a first set of electrodes configured to be positioned upon a target neural population corresponding to a site at which neuroplasticity is occurring, a site at which neuroplasticity is expected to occur, and/or a site associated with neuropathic pain;   a monitoring device to receive signals corresponding to a neural activity within a portion of the target neural population;   a stimulus unit coupled to deliver stimuli to the first set of electrodes; and   a sensing unit coupled receive signals from the monitoring device.   
     
     
         2 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing unit is further coupled to the stimulus unit. 
     
     
         3 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of electrodes and a portion of the stimulus unit are configured for implantation into the patient. 
     
     
         4 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of electrodes, the monitoring device, and a portion of the stimulus unit are configured for implantation into a patient. 
     
     
         5 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of electrodes, the monitoring device, a portion of the stimulus unit, and a portion of the sensing unit are configured for implantation into a patient. 
     
     
         6 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a substrate that carries the first set of electrodes and the monitoring device. 
     
     
         7 . The neural stimulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring device comprises one from the group of a second set of electrodes and a cerebral bloodflow monitor. 
     
     
         8 . A method of reducing seizure activity during neural stimulation to treat a neural condition in a patient comprising:
 applying a first electrical stimulation to a target neural population within the patient by positioning at least a first set of electrodes configured to be positioned in contact with the patient's dura matter or pia matter, the first electrical stimulation signal directed to altering the neural condition other than a seizure;   monitoring a parameter associated with seizure activity;   determining if seizure activity is present;   reducing seizure activity, if present, by performing at least one of discontinuing application of the first stimulation signal, applying a second electrical stimulation signal to the target neural population, or applying a second electrical stimulation signal to a site adjacent to the target neural population.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein monitoring a parameter associated with seizure activity comprises monitoring an electrophysiological signal of the patient. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the neural condition comprises pain. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the neural condition comprises a neurological disorder. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the neural condition comprises a patient rehabilitating a functional deficit. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising that during application of the first stimulation signal the patient performs a behavioral therapy. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising selecting a plurality of operating parameters to deliver the first electrical stimulation signal using a burst stimulus that comprises a plurality of groups pulses in a pulse train. 
     
     
         15 . A neural stimulation system comprising:
 a first set of electrodes configured to be positioned upon a target neural population corresponding to a site at which neuroplasticity is occurring, a site at which neuroplasticity is expected to occur, a site associated with neuropathic pain and/or a site associated with a neurological disorder;   a monitoring device to receive signals corresponding to a neural activity within a portion of the target neural population;   a stimulus unit coupled to deliver stimuli to the first set of electrodes such that the stimulus unit is configured to deliver at least one burst stimulus that comprises a plurality of groups pulses in a pulse train; and   a sensing unit coupled receive signals from the monitoring device.