Systems and methods for selective peripheral nerve regeneration and remyelination

Abstract

A method promotes axonal regeneration and remyelination repair of a peripheral nerve. The method stimulates a target peripheral nerve or target distal branch thereof with a stimulator having a direct-contact electrode configured to couple to a nerve having a diameter of between 1 mm and 25 mm. Each pulse train includes pulses having a frequency between about 20 Hz and 100 Hz, and a pulse width between about 150 microseconds and 500 microseconds. The pulse trains have a train duration between about 3 seconds and 60 seconds and are separated by rest intervals between about 0.5 minute and 5 minutes. The stimulation amplitude is titrated relative to a threshold. The pulse trains are delivered in 1 to 8 pulse trains per session. Accordingly, the method initiates axonal regeneration and/or promotes remyelination repair in the target nerve.