Device for Stimulation of Neuronal Assemblies

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The invention describes an apparatus and method for stimulating groups of neurons (neural ensembles) in the nervous system—particularly those involved in generating rhythmic activity such as movement. The device measures neural activity via sensors, then uses this information to apply targeted and time-shifted electrical stimulation to multiple groups of neurons. By doing so, it seeks to restore or improve healthy rhythmic neural patterns, which can be disrupted in various motor disorders.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Restoration of movement in patients after a stroke by re-establishing healthy neural rhythms.
• Treatment of 'Gait-Ignition Disorder' to help patients initiate walking.
• Support for managing motor impairments in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
• Neurorehabilitation after spinal cord injuries to recover or enhance rhythmic motor function.
• Research applications in neuroscience to study and modulate central pattern generators.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Restores more natural rhythmic activity in damaged neural networks, leading to improved motor function.
• Allows for personalized, closed-loop therapy by adapting stimulation based on neurons' ongoing activity.
• Targets multiple neuron groups with precise timing to better mimic physiological neural activity.
• May provide longer-lasting or permanent improvements by encouraging neural plasticity and network reorganization.
• Offers a flexible, programmable solution suitable for different types and severities of motor disorders.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus (100) is described which comprises at least one measuring unit (31-34) for recording test signals from neurons, a generator unit (10) for generating electrical stimulation signals in accordance with the test signals, and a plurality of stimulation units (11-14) that are connected to the generator unit (10). The stimulation units (11-14) stimulate a plurality of neural networks in a deferred manner by means of the stimulation signals and thus induce a deferred activity in the stimulated neural networks.