Systems and methods for spasticity treatment using spinal nerve magnetic stimulation

Abstract

Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, easy to use treatment for spasticity that does not involve medication. Methods and devices herein use low-frequency repetitive magnetic fields to enhance communication in the spinal nerve, thereby allowing improved relaxation, control, and coordination in a muscle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating spasticity in a subject comprising:
 a. determining a treatment location in the body of the subject that is or has been a source of spasticity for the subject;   b. determining a target location on or near at least one spinal nerve that connects the treatment location to the spine ipsilateral to the treatment location; and   c. administering repetitive magnetic field pulses to the target location.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic pulse frequency is fixed at or near a target frequency. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic pulse frequency hops periodically about an average target frequency. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the magnetic pulse frequency hops periodically to random values within a range about an average target frequency. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the magnetic pulse frequency hops periodically in a specific pattern about an average target frequency. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the magnetic pulse frequency hops periodically between two values about an average target frequency. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  or  3  wherein the magnetic pulse target frequency is from about 1 Hz to about 10 Hz. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  or  3  wherein the magnetic pulse target frequency is from about 10 Hz to about 30 Hz. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  or  3  wherein the repetitive magnetic pulses are part of a pulse train with a train duration that is about 4 seconds to about 30 seconds and is alternately active and inactive as part of a duty cycle with a period of about 30 seconds to about 80 seconds. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2  or  3  wherein the repetitive magnetic pulses are part of a pulse train with a train duration that is about 30 seconds to about 200 seconds and is alternately active and inactive as part of a duty cycle with a period of about 40 seconds to about 300 seconds. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein treatment is administered for a treatment duration that is about 0 minutes to about 10 minutes. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein treatment is administered for a treatment duration that is about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target location is from about ½ inch to about 2 inches from the spine. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target location is from about 2 inches to about 4 inches from the spine. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the strength of the magnetic field pulses is from about 10 Gauss to about 4 Tesla. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the strength of the magnetic field pulses is adjusted based on the tolerance of the subject. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the spasticity is caused by at least one of multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, strenuous exercise, muscle recovery, a sports injury, a traumatic injury, post-operative side effect, sympathetic nervous system response to an event, or a neuromuscular injury. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering repetitive transcranial magnetic field pulses at a frequency of a biological metric, or a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the biological metric. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein repetitive magnetic pulses are administered transcranially and to the target location concurrently. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein repetitive magnetic pulses are administered transcranially and to the target location non-concurrently. 
     
     
         21 . A device to treat spasticity in a subject comprising:
 a. a magnetic field generator; and   b. a power source configured to energize the magnetic field generator in order to generate a repetitive pulsed magnetic field outside a subject; and   c. a mount that is configured to hold the magnetic field generator in place;   
       wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to transmit repetitive magnetic field pulses such that the magnetic field induces an electric current or voltage potential in a target location on or near the spinal nerve that connects a spasticity treatment location to the spine. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the target location is at a distance of about ½ inch to about 4 inches from the spine. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the mount is attached to the body so that the magnetic field generator may be worn by the subject. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the mount is held stationary so that the subject positions his/her body near the mount in order to bring the target location close to the magnetic field generator. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24  wherein the mount is part of a treatment chair. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25  wherein the mount position is adjustable to allow a person to move the magnetic field generator near the target location. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 25  further comprising a second magnetic field generator as part of the treatment chair, whereby at least one of the magnetic field generators may be selected using a switch to transmit repetitive magnetic stimulation to one or more target locations. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 27  wherein the first magnetic field generator and the second magnetic field generator transmit repetitive magnetic stimulation to target locations concurrently. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 27  wherein the first magnetic field generator and the second magnetic field generator transmit repetitive magnetic stimulation to target locations non-concurrently. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 25  further comprising a second magnetic field generator and mount in order to transmit repetitive transcranial magnetic field pulses at a frequency of a biological metric, or a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the biological metric. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30  wherein the first and second magnetic field generators transmit repetitive magnetic stimulation transcranially and to the target location concurrently. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 30  wherein the first and second magnetic field generators transmit repetitive magnetic stimulation transcranially and to the target location non-concurrently. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the magnetic field generator is a coil.