Aphasias and other neurologically based speech and language impairments are treated by means of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. Preferably an irregular pulse train is applied by means of a pseudorandom pulse generator to the stimulator electrodes. The trapezoidal, monophasic pulses mimic typical physiological wave forms and the average pulse rate is in the order of the alpha rate. A series of pulses has a zero DC level which enables the nerves to repolarize, and a current source in the stimulator reduces the effects of such variables as skin resistance. The base pulse rate, pulse width and pulse amplitude can be adjusted to meet the particular needs of a patient.
Transcutaneous nerve stimulator with pseusorandom pulse generator