System for alleviating symptoms of a neurological disorder

Inventors

George, David • Buckler, George • Sullivan, David Brice

Assignees

Nocira LLC

Abstract

An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

Core Innovation

The invention provides an external ear canal pressure regulation device and an earpiece that is sealably engageable in an external ear canal to form a pressure barrier relative to ambient pressure. A fluid flow generator generates a fluid flow that is reciprocally oscillated to create controlled positive and negative pressure differentials between the ear canal and ambient pressure. The pressure differential is used to produce an effect in the external ear canal and at the tympanic membrane, thereby alleviating one or more symptoms of a migraine headache.

The fluid flow generator includes adjustable and reciprocating pump configurations, including positive displacement pumps and piston/linear actuator arrangements, and a piezoelectric diaphragm pump operated above an audible range. A control architecture operates the generator and includes pressure differential amplitude adjustment and oscillation frequency adjustment, pressure relief valves, a fluid manifold with valves, and pressure sensors coupled to a sensor signal analyzer and comparator with compensation signals.

The controller is implemented with processor and memory program code to administer selectable pressure regulation profiles, including time-varying waveforms such as sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth. The disclosure further includes structures and signals to improve and monitor coupling and sealing, including optional coaxial earpiece conduits and a sleeve expansion portion that expands to enhance a seal with sensorial indicia or a seal signal.

Claims Coverage

The document provides two independent method claims, each directed to alleviating one or more symptoms of a migraine headache by inserting an earpiece into an external ear canal and producing an effect in the external ear canal and at the tympanic membrane via vibrations. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on earpiece insertion and coupling to a vibrator, producing an effect at the tympanic membrane, and controller-driven vibration configuration for symptom alleviation.

Both independent claims cover methods for migraine symptom alleviation by inserting an earpiece into the external ear canal and causing vibrations that produce an effect at the tympanic membrane via the earpiece. The first independent claim additionally requires a controller coupled to a vibrator and operating the vibrator in a configuration to produce the effect.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications