University of California

Harrison W Lin

Hamid R Djalilian

Fan-Gang Zeng

Ronald Sahyouni

An electrical stimulation system that provides for transtympanic stimulation of the inner ear that can be used for safely and effectively treating tinnitus. The electrical stimulation system of the present invention may be fully implantable or partially implantable. The system features an electrode placed on the round window membrane. An external portion provides the power to the electrode, which can stimulate the inner ear via the round window as needed by the patient. The present invention also features methods of treating tinnitus using the electrical stimulation system described herein.

Methods and systems for treating tinnitus with transtympanic electrical stimulation

Disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) treating the disease by selectively stimulating the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array. Also disclosed herein is a device, comprising a plurality of electrodes that have the capacity to be inserted in or around a facial nerve. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating facial paralysis and/or damage in a subject, comprising: (a) detecting the level of contraction of individual muscles on a healthy, non-paralyzed side of the face of the subject; and (b) treating facial paralysis by a direct targeted stimulation of the corresponding muscles or nerve fibers on a paralyzed side of the face of the subject. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating synkinesis, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) selectively suppressing the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array.

Nerve stimulation device for treating or reducing paralysis

Disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) treating the disease by selectively stimulating the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array. Also disclosed herein is a device, comprising a plurality of electrodes that have the capacity to be inserted in a facial nerve. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating facial paralysis and/or damage in a subject, comprising: (a) detecting the level of contraction of individual muscles on a healthy, non-paralyzed side of the face of the subject; and (b) treating facial paralysis by a direct targeted stimulation of the corresponding muscles or nerve fibers on a paralyzed side of the face of the subject. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating synkinesis, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) selectively suppressing the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array.

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Encinitas, CA, United States of America

Harrison W Lin