The invention relates to a new medical device for olfactory stimulation of a patient. This device delivers a plurality of scents with precise flow rates and duration, preferably according to preprogrammed flexible sequences.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a new solution to treat diseases requiring a cerebral wakefulness, in particular apnea in premature newborn infants or neonates and sleep apnea in adults which could supplement, or even replace the existing pharmacological treatments to avoid undesirable effects, and prevent apneic episodes by stimulating the whole cardio-respiratory system of the newborn. From a broader perspective, the use of DM could contribute to the overall objective of the maturation of the autonomic nervous system of premature newborn as well as to the limbic and cognitive structures.