Systems and methods for altering brain and body functions and for treating conditions and diseases of the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for management of brain and body functions and sensory perception. For example, the present invention provides systems and methods of sensory substitution and sensory enhancement (augmentation) as well as motor control enhancement. The present invention also provides systems and methods of treating diseases and conditions, as well as providing enhanced physical and mental health and performance through sensory substitution, sensory enhancement, and related effects.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of providing one or more of the rehabilitative benefits of deep brain stimulation to a patient comprising providing non-invasive electrotactile stimulation to the patient's tongue while the patient actively attempts to engage in a physical movement, wherein the patient's ability to perform the physical movement is hindered by impairment of the patient's nervous system, and wherein the patient receives the one or more rehabilitative benefits of deep brain stimulation. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rehabilitative benefit is selected from the group consisting of alleviation of dyskinesias, alleviation of dystonia, alleviation of tremor, alleviation of gait problems, alleviation of chronic nerve-related pain, and alleviation of slowness of movement. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rehabilitative benefit is alleviation of dyskinesias. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rehabilitative benefit is alleviation of dystonia. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rehabilitative benefit is alleviation of tremor, 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rehabilitative benefit is alleviation of gait problems. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the impairment of the patient's nervous system is caused by a peripheral nervous system dysfunction. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the impairment of the patient's nervous system is caused by a central nervous system dysfunction. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the impairment of the patient's nervous system is caused by a cerebellar lesion. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation to the patient's tongue stimulates one or more of the cranial nerves within the patient. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cranial nerve is the facial nerve. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cranial nerve is the hypoglossal nerve. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cranial nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is a traumatic brain injury patient and the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation of the patient's tongue improves motor control in the patient. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is a traumatic brain injury patient and the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation of the patient's tongue improves posture in the patient. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is a traumatic brain injury patient and the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation of the patient's tongue improves balance in the patient. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is a multiple sclerosis patient and the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation of the patient's tongue improves motor control, posture and/or balance in the patient. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is a Parkinson's patient and the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation of the patient's tongue reduces tremor in the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein an intraoral tactile display unit is utilized to provide the non-invasive electrotactile stimulation to the patient's tongue. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the tactile display unit comprises an array of electrodes that provides electrotactile stimulation. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the tactile display unit displays pre-programmed electrotactile stimulation. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the physical movement is attempting to stand in a tandem Romberg stance. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the physical movement is attempting to maintain a steady posture in a sitting position. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient receives electrotactile stimulation while attempting to engage in a physical movement at a first, baseline level of activity, and subsequently while attempting to engage in the same or different physical movement at a more challenging level of activity.