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  Stroke symptom recognition devices and methodsUSPTO Application #: 20070021687Title: Stroke symptom recognition devices and methods Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting one or more symptoms of stroke, such as motor function deficits and cognitive function deficits. By way of example, not limitation, the present invention provides devices and methods for detecting various forms of hemiparesis, ataxia, aphasia, and/or dysarthria, which may be measured alone or in any combination. (end of abstract) Agent: Robert E. Atkinson, PC - White Bear Lake, MN, US Inventors: Peter Trexler Keith, Robert Emmett Atkinson USPTO Applicaton #: 20070021687 - Class: 600587000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Surgery, Diagnostic Testing, Measuring Anatomical Characteristic Or Force Applied To Or Exerted By Body The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070021687. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES [0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/641,833 filed Aug. 15, 2003 entitled STROKE SYMPTOM RECOGNITION DEVICES AND METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/407,370 filed Aug. 31, 2002, entitled STROKE DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/429,101 filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled STROKE DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/460,525 filed Apr. 4, 2003, entitled STROKE SYMPTOM RECOGNITION DEVICE AND METHOD. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to medical diagnostic devices and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to medical devices and methods for diagnosing symptoms of stroke. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in industrialized nations. Nearly 500,000 people in the United States suffer from stroke syndromes annually, at a cost of $23 billion. Strokes are caused primarily by an abrupt interruption of blood flow to a portion of the brain, due to arterial blockage. A less common cause of stroke is hemorrhaging due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. [0004] Since strokes affect only one side of the brain, symptoms typically involve only one side of the body. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis, vision problems, loss of balance, loss of coordination, and speech impairment. These symptoms are often subjective, and often not easily discernable by the user. Furthermore, symptoms of stroke are rarely painful, unlike those in a heart attack. Therefore, people suffering from stroke are often not aggressive and inherently reluctant in seeking medical attention. [0005] However, prompt medical attention is crucial for implementing treatment modalities that can dramatically minimize the long-term impact of the stroke for the user. One such therapy is the use of thrombolytic agents ("clot busters") to restore blood flow to the ischemic zone. But, the effectiveness of this treatment drops off rapidly after the first hours following stroke. Moreover, after 3 hours of symptom onset, use of thrombolytics dramatically increases the risk of hemorrhaging, substantially worsening the outlook for the user. [0006] Studies have indicated that only about 25% of stroke users arrive to a hospital in less than 2 hours, while approximately 60% arrive after 6 hours, well beyond the time window for effective treatment. The primary cause of this delay is the delay in the user deciding to seek medical attention. Clearly, public health care would be greatly benefited if more stroke users could present to a hospital in a more timely fashion. [0007] There is therefore a great need for a user-implemented diagnostic tool to quickly, easily, and objectively diagnose symptoms related to the onset of stroke. Such a tool would help a user suffering a stroke to seek prompt medical attention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention provides exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for detecting one or more symptoms of stroke, such as motor function deficits and cognitive function deficits. By way of example, not limitation, the present invention provides devices and methods for detecting various forms of hemiparesis, ataxia, aphasia, and/or dysarthria, which may be measured alone or in any combination. Generally speaking, the devices and methods of the present invention provide for the measurement of various indicia of the above symptoms, and provide for various actions (e.g., alert signal, EMS notification, etc.) if the measurement(s) meet certain predefined conditions (e.g., above or below a threshold value). [0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, devices and methods are provided for detecting hemiparesis. Hemiparesis, a very common symptom of stroke, is a muscular weakness or partial paralysis restricted to one side of the body. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for detecting hemiparesis by measuring differences in hand strength or arm drift. [0010] In other embodiments of the present invention, devices and methods are provided for detecting ataxia. Ataxia is an impaired ability to perform smooth coordinated voluntary movements. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for detecting ataxia by measuring dexterity. [0011] In still other embodiments of the present invention, devices and methods are provided for detecting aphasia, including receptive aphasia and expressive aphasia. Aphasia is a cognitive disorder marked by an impaired ability to comprehend (receptive aphasia) or express (expressive aphasia) language. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for detecting receptive aphasia by positing written or oral instructions to the user, followed by measuring the correctness and/or time delay of the response from the user. Exemplary embodiments are also disclosed for detecting expressive aphasia by positing an image of an object to the user, prompting the user to identify or name the object, and measuring the correctness and/or time delay of the response from the user. [0012] In yet other embodiments of the present invention, devices and methods are provided for detecting dysarthria. Dysarthria is a disorder of speech articulation (e.g., slurred speech). Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for detecting dysarthria by prompting the user to say a word or phrase that is recorded for subsequent comparison by voice pattern recognition techniques or evaluation by medical personnel. [0013] The devices and methods of the present invention may be implemented in devices dedicated to detecting one or more stroke symptoms. Alternatively, the devices and methods of the present invention may be incorporated into a device wherein the diction of stroke symptoms is an ancillary function. For example, the devices and methods of the present invention may be incorporated into a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, or other portable electronic device. In addition, the methods described herein may be completely or partially implemented in hardware or software (e.g., executable code) of such portable electronic devices. [0014] Thus, with the devices and methods of the present invention, a stroke victim is better able to ascertain symptoms associated with the onset of stroke, and more quickly seek medical attention, thereby reducing the time for implementation of time sensitive therapies (e.g., thrombolytic therapy) and improving the patient's long term outcome. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1A is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting hemiparesis using a bilateral strength measurement device; [0016] FIG. 1B is a flow chart detailing a step of the method illustrated in FIG. 1A; [0017] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting hemiparesis using a unilateral (or bilateral) strength measurement device; [0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic functional illustration of a bilateral strength measurement device incorporating electronic circuitry; [0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic functional illustration of a unilateral strength measurement device incorporating electronic circuitry; Continue reading... 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