Neural Implants
www.medgadget.com
Neural implants are defined as machinery that can be implanted in or near the brain to assist in either the function of a prosthetic or assisting the brain in function. The first successful neural implant was the cochlear implant. It assists the hearing impaired or near deaf to comprehend sounds and speech with the use of electrodes and speech processing technology. However, the success of the neural implant does not stop at the cochlear implant. Currently, all different kinds of research is being developed on neural implants to treat all different kinds of neurological disorders. For instance, deep brain stimulation is a process in which a neural implant delivers electrical signals to the brain to assist Parkinson's disease patients. Another example of neural implant success and research includes the project BrainGate. The project originated at Brown University and was designed to create a neural implant that would give motor function to those affected with paralysis. The project has been very successful and the project team is very optimistic about the future of their invention. Yet the success of neural implants still continues and probably won't cease until every neural condition is treated. The future of neural implants is very optimistic and treatment for what seemed incurable (ie. Parkinson's disease, paralysis, a stroke, deafness, blindness, etc.) is now becoming a possibility.
Cochlear Implant
www.nidcd.nih.gov
The cochlear implant uses speech processing technology coupled with electrode arrays to assist those who are near deaf. The cochlear implant does not restore "normal" hearing function but rather helps provide a sense of sound. This assists with identifying sounds in one's environment and speech comprehension. The cochlear implant was designed and developed in the late 1970's and have seen multiple advances in design and functionality. The way that the cochlear implant works today is as a stimulator to the cochlea and auditory nerves. The cochlear implant consists of five key components (seen in the figure on the right) that assist the patient in hearing and speech comprehension. Essentially, the microphone picks up sound and the speech processor converts into stimuli (electrical impulses) for the transmitter. The electrical impulses are then sent through a cable to an electrode array that surround the cochlea. Auditory nerves that surround the cochlea take the electrodes and send them to the brain to be processed.
BrainGate Program
Dr. Donoghue, researcher from Brown University, leads the BrainGate program which is dedicated to developing a neural implant and computer interface that assists the paralyzed. BrainGate has been featured in the media such as 60 minutes (the video on the left) for their successes and bright future for development. BrainGate includes a neural implant which uses electrical impulses to control a computer interface which then can control robotic prostheses. Currently, experimental trials proved successful in using BrianGate to control wheelchairs, computer interfaces, and robotic prostheses. One of these successful tests can be seen in the both videos below where Cathy Hutchinson, who had been paralyzed from a stroke, uses BrainGate to control a robotic arm. However, the BrainGate group looks into the future to be able to use BrainGate to use an electrical stimulation device to control paralyzed limbs directly.
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The Future
mimetic.ece.ucsb.edu
The future of neural implants seems endless to researchers who believe in its progress. Many researchers are very hopeful about the advancement of neural implants as far as clinical use. It is estimated that within the next century, most if not all neurological disorders will be cured with neural implants. Conditions such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, and many others could potentially be cured with the assistance of neural implants. However, there researchers have predicted that neural implants could be used beyond the realm of clinical practice. Researchers claim that with future technologies, neural implants could be used for human enhancement. Enhancement of cognitive abilities, intellect, physical coordination, memory and any other human ability that is directly effected by the brain. Researchers compare future neural implants to Methylphenidate (Ritalin) a prescription drug for ADHD patients. Ritalin enhances the focus of ADHD patients and is abused by college students to maintain focus and achieve higher grades. Undoubtedly, the potential of neural implants are endless as far as the improvement of humanity and the medical community.
References
Chia-Lin Chang, Jin, Z., Hou-Cheng Chang, & Cheng, A. C. (2009). From neuromuscular activation to end-point locomotion: An artificial neural network-based technique for neural prostheses. Journal of Biomechanics, 42(8), 982-988.
Clausen, J. (2009). Man, machine and in between. Nature, 457(7233), 1080-1.
Donoghue, J. P. (2005). Panel discussion: State-of-the-art and promise of neuroprosthetics. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 61-65.
Wilson, B. S., & Dorman, M. F. (2008). Cochlear implants: Current designs and future possibilities. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 45(5), 695-730.
Clausen, J. (2009). Man, machine and in between. Nature, 457(7233), 1080-1.
Donoghue, J. P. (2005). Panel discussion: State-of-the-art and promise of neuroprosthetics. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 61-65.
Wilson, B. S., & Dorman, M. F. (2008). Cochlear implants: Current designs and future possibilities. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 45(5), 695-730.
WRT 102-04
Nicholas Zsoldos
Nicholas Zsoldos