The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators
and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to
maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy
of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or
more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or
stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered
to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the
electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the
electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the
affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation
therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to
control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization
and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time.