Devices, systems and methods for treating pain with electrical stimulation

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of delivering electrical stimulation, the method comprising:
 accessing from a memory, by a processor of a non-invasive electrical stimulation device, a first set of waveform information;   outputting, by the processor, a first stimulation control signal based on the first set of waveform information;   receiving, in a signal generator, the first stimulation control signal;   generating, by the signal generator, a first electrical stimulation waveform based on the first stimulation signal;   sending the first electrical stimulation waveform through an electrode of the non-invasive stimulation device;   receiving, by the processor, a triggering event;   outputting a second stimulation control signal by the processor in response to the triggering event;   receiving, in a signal generator, the second stimulation control signal;   generating, by the signal generator, a second electrical stimulation waveform based on the second stimulation signal; and   providing the second electrical stimulation waveform through the electrode of the non-invasive stimulation device.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the triggering event comprises actuation of a button on the non-invasive electrical stimulation device. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the triggering event comprises receiving a second set of waveform information. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising receiving, in the processor, a program of electrical stimulation that provides the first set of waveform information and the second set of waveform information. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising receiving the program of electrical stimulation by a communication port in communication with the processor. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising storing the program of electrical stimulation in the memory. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first set of waveform information and the second set of waveform information are received wirelessly from a computer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first set of waveform information is different than the second set of waveform information. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first set of waveform information is the same as the second set of waveform information. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first electrical stimulation waveform is different than the second electrical stimulation waveform. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the triggering event comprises a change in pressure applied to the electrode. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising receiving the first set of waveform information and the second set of waveform information wirelessly. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising receiving, in the processor of the non-invasive electrical stimulation device, iterative sets of waveform information. 
     
     
         15 . A non-invasive electrical stimulation device, the device comprising:
 a processor configured to generate a first and second stimulation control signals in response to accessing sets of waveform information;   a signal generator in communication with the processor, the signal generator configured to receive the first and the second stimulation control signals and generate electrical stimulation waveforms; and   at least one electrode configured to transmit the electrical stimulation waveforms to a user.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the waveform information is received from a user device. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the waveform information is transmitted from a user interface. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the user interface and the processor are in wireless communication with each other. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the non-invasive electrical stimulation device is hand-held. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the electrode is in physical contact with the user. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to be programmable with sets of waveform information.