Archive for the ‘neuroscience’ tag
Electrodes implanted in the brain
We know that our brains work by sending electrical signals along our neurons. Sometimes the built in damping mechanism for the signals fails to work and things like Parkinsons and epilepsy strike the victim. Much like a pacemaker for hearts, electric implants in the brain can smooth out signals and treat these illnesses.
Over 35,000 people have successfully had their Parkinsons disease treated this way, some with results lasting over seven years.
Surprisingly brain illnesses not commonly associated with electric signal problems also can be treated with implanted electrodes; depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, among them.
Patients can also be treated with electrodes placed outside the skull but the results tend to be very short term. It is thought that the brain learns to rewire itself with the electrodes implanted and helps to cure itself.
Occasionally electrodes can be bumped, covered in scar tissure and fail to keep working. One group of scientists has come up with an implant that moves itself to the strongest near signal hoping to over come this problem.
See also:
Moving brain implant seeks out signals
Wireheads: Healing the brain with electricity
Mind Hacks: Brain electrodes awake brain injured man
Technology Review: Tiny electrodes for the brain
Brain surgery helps a mute man speak
Brain surgery helps a mute man speak
This is your brain on electricity
