Date of Award

Spring 1979

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Jeutter, Dean C.

Second Advisor

Sances, Anthony

Third Advisor

Jodat, Ronald W.

Abstract

Cerebellar stimulation has become an accepted form of therapy for improvement of motor function and seizure relief in patients afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis. A totally implantable programmable cerebellar stimulator is not available to date. This study deals with a programmable stimulator specially suited to the needs of cerebral palsy patients which has been developed and tested. The stimulator provides non-invasive selection of 16 different stimulation pulse parameters and is powered by rechargeable batteries. The circuit described was tested in an electrode-saline solution interface. A transcutaneous recharging circuit of the induction coupling type was developed and its performance was also evaluated. The stimulator and the recharging receiver circuits have been designed with the specific aim of packaging it as a totally implantable form to provide chronic stimulation in cerebral palsy patients.

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