Vibratory Nerve Exciter

Abstract

A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 836,195 filed Apr. 19, 2019 which application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to human tissue stimulation and in particular to noninvasive vibration on the neck overlying the larynx to excite the laryngeal nerve to augment or reestablish swallowing control during rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia, and to treat voice disorders affecting the function of the laryngeal system, such as spasmodic dysphonia, and to treat chronic cough.[0003]Dysphagia is a major swallowing disorder that affects the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system, thereby weakening neuromuscular control and effectively reducing the ability to properly swallow. Dysphagia may occur at any time across the lifespan. This impairment has many potential causes, including but not...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a device that uses vibrations to stimulate the parts of the vagus nerve in the neck, such as the recurrent laryngeal, superior laryngeal, and pharyngeal branches, to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia. The device has a collar or neckband that holds soft tissue nerve exciters to provide vibrations penetrable to the laryngeal nerve. One or two exciters with adjustable frequencies between 30 Hz and 200 Hz provide strong vibrations. The device can be controlled and triggered wirelessly by a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device and software. The software sets the device settings, allows patients to provide feedback, and allows clinicians to monitor the patient's progress. The invention provides a non-invasive and effective treatment for certain neurological disorders.

Problems solved by technology

Dysphagia is a major swallowing disorder that affects the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system, thereby weakening neuromuscular control and effectively reducing the ability to properly swallow.

Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty swallowing, impaired ability to protect the airway during swallowing (penetration and aspiration), and impaired ability to transport a bolus of food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.

These difficulties may contribute to a risk for respiratory complications (pneumonia), dehydration, malnutrition, and may restrict social eating.

Because of these negative impacts, it also may significantly impact quality of life for an individual.

This disorder of the laryngeal system causes the muscles involved in voicing to periodically spasm, triggering increased tension and a distortion of the voice.

The spasms cause interruptions and breaks in the voice.

Any neurologic disease or process that impacts laryngeal function may negatively impact swallowing, voicing, and airway functions such as cough and throat clear, or any function that originates within or requires function of the laryngeal system.

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