The invention is directed to a trial stimulation system and, more
particularly, an indicator device within the trial stimulation system
that measures and indicates energy amplitude levels for electrical
stimulation therapy delivered to a patient. Specifically, the indicator
device simultaneously indicates energy amplitude levels, such as
electrical voltage, current, power, and electrical charge, as well as the
polarity for each electrode in real-time without affecting the therapy
delivered to the patient. For example, the indicator device may activate
a number of lights in an array of lights in proportion to the measured
energy amplitude level for each electrode and may activate a green LED or
a red LED when a corresponding electrodes acts as a source or sink,
respectively. In this manner, the indicator device allows a clinician to
visualize the electrical fields produced by each electrode and,
therefore, may assist stimulation steering, trouble shooting, and lead
placement.