Date of Award
Fall 1980
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
Jeutter, Dean C.
Second Advisor
Jodat, Ronald W.
Third Advisor
Sances, Anthony
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of the cerebellum as an aid for the control and improvement of motor function and seizure activity in patients afflicted with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis is becoming an accepted form of therapy in an increasing number of cases. Presently, most implantable neurological stimulation systems are passive and powered externally, whereby the stimulation is delivered extra-corporeally via an externally located electro-magnetic induction coil. Unfortunately, systems such as these often tend to be inefficient, since alignment of the external and implanted coils is critical and often difficult to control. This study is concerned with the development of an externally programmable, totally implantable (and, therefore, much more efficient) neurological stimulation system. The system described was tested in both an electrode-saline solution, and on cerebellar tissue obtained from a primate cadaver. The stimulator provides non-invasive selection of 16 different stimulation parameters, and is powered by transcutaneously rechargeable batteries. The recharging circuitry, which is of the induction coupling type, was developed and evaluated in a previous study (24) and made available for use in this study. The entire system has been developed and tested with the intention of packaging the eventual hybrid-microcircuit as a totally implantable device to be utilized in cases where chronic stimulation is required from a completely self-contained, implantable unit.
Recommended Citation
Murawski, Steven L., "Design of An Externally Programmable, Implantable, Integrated Cerebellar Stimulator" (1980). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4631.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4631