Electrical stimulation is applied to the inferior colliculus or colliculi
(IC), in order to diminish tinnitus by revising auditory pathway neuronal
activity. This intervention diminishes tinnitus and treats other
neurological and otological disorders. The locations and methods of
electrode placement and anchoring and the structure of the electrodes are
an advance over prior treatments. Other treatment locations in the nearby
region of the IC, including the superior colliculi (SC) and
Peri-aqueductal gray (PAG), provide treatments for other disorders and
symptoms such as partial hearing loss and pain. The IC is a unique choice
for the treatment of tinnitus and other disorders because an electrode
placed in that region enables minimal invasiveness. The anchoring
location also uniquely minimizes invasiveness by providing the option of
residing in the meninges instead of the brain tissue. The shape of the
electrode and its anchoring process uniquely match the brain's anatomy in
order to provide greater specificity in diagnosis and treatment.
Stimulation of areas near the IC, particularly the superior colliculus
and peri-aqueductal gray, can be used to treat various neurological
disorders. Customized feedback from the implantable system enables the
creation of customized treatment programs.