Patent ID: 8280515

Claim:
A method of neuromodulation for treating chronic pain in a subject, the method comprising the steps of conducting a trial phase followed by a permanent implant, the trial phase comprising the steps of: positioning a tip of two temporary leads subcutaneously outside the skull in the occipital region of a subject's scalp with the remainder of the leads remaining outside the subject's skin, the two temporary leads configured to deliver an electrical signal to an occipital nerve using neuromodulation to alter the release of various neurotransmitters within the brain; and coupling a programmer to the temporary leads outside the subjects' skin, the programmer being capable of delivering the electrical signal to the occipital nerve, wherein the electrical signal comprises amplitude between 0.1 mA and 8 mA; frequency of 6, 12, 18, 24 Hz; and pulse width between 50 msec and 100 msec; thereby enabling the subject to adjust the electrical signal to a level such that the subject experiences a decrease in pain over time although not being able to feel the lead being energized.