Method and apparatus for treating seizure disorders by stimulating the olfactory senses

摘要

The present invention discloses techniques for preventing a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode. The electrodes are positioned to stimulate the olfactory nervous system. The sensor senses a parameter of the body indicative of the possible onset of a seizure. The sensor generates a sensing signal which is processed and an algorithm is utilized to determine whether the sensing signal shows a pattern indicative of a possible seizure onset. If such a pattern is recognized, the signal generator provides electrical stimulation via electrodes to generate an olfactory sensory stimulus. The patient is thereby alerted, the electrical activity of the brain is desynchronized and the likelihood of a seizure occurring is reduced.