Nasal stimulation devices and methods

Abstract

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A handheld stimulator for reducing discomfort associated with facial tissue of a subject, comprising:
 a handheld portion configured to be held by the subject; and   a stimulating portion located at an end of the handheld portion, the stimulating portion comprising an electrode configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to external facial tissue of the subject thereby activating a facial nerve for reducing discomfort associated with facial tissue of the subject,   wherein the electrical stimulus comprises a biphasic pulse waveform having a frequency between 0.1 Hz and 200 Hz.   
     
     
         32 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the stimulating portion is integrally formed with the handheld portion. 
     
     
         33 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the stimulating portion is releasably coupled to the handheld portion. 
     
     
         34 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the handheld portion comprises a control system configured to modulate the electrical stimulus. 
     
     
         35 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 34 , wherein the modulated electrical stimulus has a maximum amplitude between 10 μA and 100 mA. 
     
     
         36 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the stimulating portion comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are angled towards each other. 
     
     
         37 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 36 , wherein the electrode is positioned at a distal end of at least the first portion of the stimulating portion. 
     
     
         38 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the electrical stimulus is pulsed. 
     
     
         39 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the frequency is between 20 Hz and 80 Hz. 
     
     
         40 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the handheld portion includes a user interface configured to control one or more parameters of the electrical stimulus. 
     
     
         41 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , further comprising one or more light-based status indicators. 
     
     
         42 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein reducing the discomfort associated with facial tissue of the subject is indicated by one or more of decreased dry eye symptoms, decreased ocular surface staining, increased tear production, and decreased facial pain. 
     
     
         43 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode configured to deliver the electrical stimulus. 
     
     
         44 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the stimulating portion is configured to deliver a mechanical stimulus comprising a vibration. 
     
     
         45 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 31 , wherein the handheld portion is configured to deliver a mechanical stimulus comprising a vibration. 
     
     
         46 . A handheld stimulator for improving comfort associated with facial tissue of a subject, comprising:
 a stimulator body portion configured to be held by the subject; and   an electrode located at an end of the stimulator body portion, the electrode configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to external nasal skin of the subject thereby activating a facial nerve for improving comfort associated with facial tissue of the subject,   wherein the electrical stimulus comprises a biphasic pulse waveform having a frequency between 0.1 Hz and 200 Hz.   
     
     
         47 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 46 , wherein the electrode is integrally formed with the stimulator body portion. 
     
     
         48 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 46 , wherein the electrode is positioned on a stimulator probe that is releasably coupled to the stimulator body portion. 
     
     
         49 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 46 , wherein the stimulator body portion comprises a control system configured to modulate the electrical stimulus. 
     
     
         50 . The handheld stimulator of  claim 49 , wherein the modulated electrical stimulus has a maximum amplitude between 10 μA and 100 mA.