Sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) will tell you that there is nothing worse than trying to fall asleep with restless legs. The disorder, which affects nearly 3 million people annually in the US, is characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by general discomfort in the legs. While the disorder itself is harmless per se, it can be extremely uncomfortable and usually impacts one’s ability to fall asleep. Milder cases generally include the irresistible urge to move the legs, while more severe cases are accompanied by a feeling described as itching, crawling, pulling, aching, throbbing, or pins and needles throughout the legs. RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, can be triggered by many things including over-the-counter medication, stagnant lifestyles, iron deficiencies, over-exercising, and pregnancy.
Present treatment methods focus primarily on lifestyle changes including adjusting one’s diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and increasing or decreasing exercise. While all of these treatments are good for improving overall health, these changes take time, and are not always effective for treating RLS. For more instantaneous relief, Neurostim Technologies’ newest patent application might be the key. The application, (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20210023360) introduces a method of using neurostimulation to treat RLS. Specifically, ‘3360 teaches a method of using a flexible patch with electrodes capable of producing a small electronic stimulation. A sensor on the patch detects unusual muscular activity in the legs prior to falling asleep, and counteracts this with small electrical stimulation to quench the activity in the legs. This method can provide nearly instantaneous relief to a wearer, in a small, discrete patch that can be worn to bed.
The ‘3360 application is Neurostim Technologies' 10th patent application since April of 2020. It is also developing neurostimulation technology for other disorders including sleep apnea, pain management, and tissue regeneration. As one of the newest entrants to the Neurostimulation field, Neurostim has already built a sizable portfolio of patent applications. Make sure to check back to the Patent Forecast® Neurology sector regularly to see when Neurostim’s applications start to become patents, and what other cool technology it develops.
