Patent ID: 7974701
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of electrical signal therapy provided by an implantable medical device (IMD) to a cranial nerve of a patient, comprising: specifying an electrical signal parameter threshold; wherein said electrical signal parameter is specific to the electrical signal therapy; and wherein said threshold is selected from the group consisting of a maximum number of patient-initiated signals to provide a therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum dose of therapeutic electrical signals per a time period, a maximum duration of the therapeutic electrical signals per a time period, a maximum rate of change of the number of patient-initiated signals to provide a therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum rate of change of the dose of the therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, and a maximum rate of change of the duration of the electrical signal therapy per a time period, receiving an input from said patient to enter an alternative mode of electrical signal therapy; wherein said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy comprises altering the electrical signal parameter of the electrical signal therapy and wherein said input from said patient to enter said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy also prompts a temporary interruption from a normal stimulation mode of electrical signal therapy provided by the IMD; determining whether to implement said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy based on said electrical signal parameter threshold, and performing said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy when said electrical signal parameter of said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy is below said threshold, and not performing said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy when said electrical signal parameter of said alternative mode of electrical signal therapy is above said threshold, to inhibit the patient initiated electrical signal therapy provided by the IMD to the cranial nerve of the patient.