Patent ID: 8048006
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of treating a peripheral neuropathy or peripheral neurodegenerative disease, comprising: placing an ultrasound applicator adjacent to a patient's skin surface proximate a neuropathic area affected by the peripheral neuropathy or the neurodegenerative disease such that, during operation, the ultrasound applicator directs ultrasound through the neuropathic area; and applying ultrasound through the neuropathic area using the ultrasound applicator, wherein the ultrasound comprises a pulsed radio frequency ultrasound signal having a frequency in the range of 1.3 MHz to 2 MHz, consisting of pulses generated at a rate in the range of 100 Hz to 1,000 Hz with each pulse having a duration in the range of 10 microseconds to 2,000 microseconds, and having a power intensity no higher than 100 milliwatts per square centimeter, and wherein the peripheral neuropathy or peripheral neurodegenerative disease is selected from a group consisting of: a systemic or metabolic neuropathy, a toxic neuropathy, a motor neuron disease, a neuropathy resulting from an infection, and an idiopathic neuropathy.