University of California

Thuris Corporation

Richard H Granger

Gary S Lynch

Christine M Gall

Linda C Palmer

A method is described for facilitating assessment of susceptibility to stroke. Electrical signals are collected from the brain of a patient under assessment. Data corresponding to the signals is then compared to a standard. The standard may represent a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison suggests susceptibility of the patient to stroke. The comparison can be used to characterize neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility. This can be used in determining the need for additional testing and/or appropriate therapy. This information can also be used in categorizing the patient to determine enrollment in clinical trials. Alternatively, the standard represents a neural signal taken at an earlier time from the patient under assessment. A positive comparison suggests that the condition of the patient is unchanged. A negative comparison suggests that the neural activity of the patient has changed, implying changes in neural blood flow. This can suggest susceptibility.

Method and apparatus for assessing susceptibility to stroke

A method is provided for diagnosing the presence of a neurological disorder or otherwise assessing the neurological condition of a patient. The method also allows the assessment of a treatment regimen used by a patient. The method includes the collection and analysis of ERP data. The method of the invention begins by conducting a plurality of ERP trials on a patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the data from the ERP trials is then characterized to produce a characterizing ERP signal vector for the patient. Projections based on the characterizing ERP signal vector are then generated. The projections are compared to information derived from the ERP data of patients having known neurological conditions. To perform diagnosis, the projections are compared to standards, such as one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from known healthy patients, and one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from patients known to have the disorder. The probable presence or absence of the neurological disorder is decided by a weighted vote of the projections, where the weighting is a function of how closely each projection compares to the respective standards. Projections can also be used to perform other types of neurological assessment, such as tracking a patient's response to a treatment regimen, assessing the treatability of a patient with respect to a particular regimen, determining the effects of a particular regimen, or categorizing a patient in order to create a homogenous group for a clinical trial.

Method and computer program product for assessing neurological conditions and treatments using evoked response potentials

A method and apparatus is described herein for assessing the susceptibility of a patient to stroke. The method begins with the step of collecting electrical signals from the brain of the patient under assessment. Signal data corresponding to the collected electrical signals is then compared to at least one standard. In an embodiment of the invention, the standard represents a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison result suggests susceptibility of the patient under assessment to stroke. Moreover, the comparison result can be used to characterize the pattern of neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility to stroke. A strong similarity to a standard taken from another patient of known susceptibility suggests that the patient under assessment is experiencing similar neural blood flow and is susceptible to stroke to a similar degree. This information, in turn, can be used to determine both the need for additional testing and/or the appropriate type and extent of therapy. In an alternative embodiment, the standard represents a neural electrical signal taken from the patient under assessment at an earlier point in time. A positive comparison in this case suggests that the condition of the patient under assessment has not changed. A negative comparison result suggests that the neural electrical activity of the patient under assessment has changed, implying possible changes in neural blood flow. This in turn can suggest susceptibility to stroke and the need for additional tests and/or for pharmaceutical or other therapy. The apparatus for collection of electrical signals from the brain includes a headcap with electrodes concentrated in an area corresponding to a particular cranial region of interest.

A method is provided for diagnosing the presence of a neurological disorder or otherwise assessing the neurological condition of a patient. The method also allows the assessment of a treatment regimen used by a patient. The method includes the collection and analysis of ERP data. The method of the invention begins by conducting a plurality of ERP trials on a patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the data from the ERP trials is then characterized to produce a single characterizing ERP signal vector for the patient. Projections based on the characterizing ERP signal vector are then generated. The projections are compared to information derived from the ERP data of patients having known neurological conditions. To perform diagnosis, the projections are compared to standards, such as one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from known healthy patients, and one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from s patient known to have the disorder. The probable presence or absence of the neurological disorder is decided by a weighted vote of the projections, where the weighting is a function of how closely each projection compares to the respective standards. Projections can also be used to perform other types of neurological assessment, such as tracking a patient's response to a treatment regimen, assessing the treatability of a patient with respect to a particular regimen, or determining the effects of a particular regimen.

This invention is a novel treatment for sexual dysfunctions by administering to a subject exhibiting a sexual dysfunction compounds that upmodulate the AMPA receptor. Methods and compositions for treating sexual dysfunction are provided. Kits containing the compositions in appropriate form for administration are also provided.

Method for treating sexual dysfunctions

The activation of neurons in specific areas of a mammalian brain are determined by measurement of levels of mRNA following administration of an agent that potentially affects neuronal activity. Differential levels of mRNA caused by an agent can be measured, as can the specific distribution of the alteration of neuronal activity. Many mental disorders are associated with the abnormal function of a particular area of the brain. The present invention allows the determination of which area of the brain, if any, is affected by an administered agent. Accordingly, the invention provides a valuable tool for assaying compounds as potential therapeutic agents.

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Irvine, CA, United States of America

Richard H Granger