A system and method for providing pulsed electrical stimulation to one or
both vagus nerve(s) of a patient to provide therapy for obesity, eating
disorders, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The electrical
pulses can be provided either unilaterally or bilaterally (left and right
vagus nerves) and can be supra-diaphramatic or be sub-diaphramatic. The
system comprising implantable stimulator, lead(s), an external
stimulator, and a programmer. The implantable stimulator, comprising a
pulse generator module, and a stimulus-receiver module which is used in
conjunction with an external stimulator. Control circuitry ensures
selective operation of one of the modules of the implanted stimulator, at
a time. Further, the external stimulator comprises a telemetry module for
remotely activating (or de-activating) programs over the internet, to
arrive at the optimal program for each patient. Once the optimal "dose"
is titrated using the external stimulator, the implanted pulse generator
can then be programmed to similar parameters. The external stimulator in
conjunction with the implanted stimulus-receiver can override the
implanted pulse generator module, to provide extra dose of therapy, and
also to conserve the implanted battery. The external stimulator is
networked to other computers. Using the networking, a physician situated
remotely can monitor and program the devices, as well as, automatically
generate invoicing. In one embodiment, the external stimulator also
comprises GPS circuitry for locating patient.