Module 2- Neuroprosthetics

Question 1

Neuroprosthetics: The Nervous System

Answer 1

To understand neuroprosthetics, we first need to understand the nervous system. The nervous system:
● Receives Information
● Processes Information
● Generates Responses to Stimuli

Question 2

“Neuro” - “Prosthetics”: Definition

Answer 2

Devices that interface with the nervous system to restore a function that has been compromised as a result of injury or disease

Question 3

Visual neuroprosthetics

Answer 3

Devices that interface with the nervous system to restore a function that has been compromised as a result of injury or disease

Question 4

Auditory neuroprosthetics

Answer 4

Devices that interface with the nervous system to restore a function that has been compromised as a result of injury or disease

Question 5

Vestibular

Answer 5

Question 6

Somatosensory and motor neuroprosthetics

Answer 6

Question 7

Neuroprosthetic timeline

Answer 7

Question 8

Electrophysiology: Recording from the Nervous System

Answer 8

Electrodes sense signal changes in the nervous system. Specifically, these electrodes record action potentials from individual or groups of neurons.
● Number of neurons depends on size of individual electrode contacts

Question 9

Pros/cons of neurological recordings

Answer 9

Why might we choose one type of neural recording tool over another?

Question 10

Pros/cons of neurological recordings- invasiveness

Answer 10

EEG: Non-invasive (outside skull)

ECoG: Medium invasiveness
○ Under skull (surgical risk)
○ Outside of brain tissue

LFP: Most invasive
○ Penetrates brain tissue

Question 11

Pros/cons of neurological recordings- signal-to-noise rate (strength of signal compared to background noise)

Answer 11

● EEG: Lowest SNR
● ECoG: Medium SNR
● LFP: Highest SNR

Question 12

Other pros/cons of neurological recordings

Answer 12

• Cost
• Portability
• Spatial/Temporal
  Resolution
• Mechanical Problems and
  Fixability
• Number of Electrodes
  Permissible

Question 13

Definition of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Answer 13

A neurosurgical procedure that uses electrical stimulation to modulate irregular brain signals.

Question 14

When/why do we use DBS?

Answer 14

● In movement disorders
○ Parkinson’s
○ Essential Tremor
○ Dystonia

● In psychiatric conditions
○ Obsessive-compulsive disorder
○ Depression

● Reserved for those with
symptoms uncontrolled by medications/other therapies

Question 15

Bidirectional DBS Platforms: Recording in Naturalistic Environments

Answer 15

Why is it important to record in “natural” environments? Why record from the brain at all when there are scales of disease state?

Question 16

Ethical Debates in Neuroprosthetics- What are some potential ethical concerns that might arise with the growth and development of neuroprosthetics?

Answer 16

Ethical concerns:

● Enhancement
● Security and Privacy
● Influencing Mental
Function and the Authentic Self

Question 17

Ethical debates in neuroprosthetics- enhancement

Answer 17

Question 18

Ethical Debates in Neuroprosthetics- security and privacy

Answer 18

Question 19

Ethical Debates in Neuroprosthetics-Influencing Mental
Function and the Authentic Self

Answer 19

Question 20

Takeaways/overview

Answer 20

●Neuroprosthetics reflect an umbrella term of treatments
○ They can substitute motor, sensory, or cognitive functions interrupted by neurological disease

● Neuroprosthetics can “listen” to the brain, providing quantitative insights into disease states

● There is still debate in the neuroprosthetics field, motivating consideration for long-term ethical concerns

Question 21

Open vs. closed loop

Answer 21

This type of technology can be open loop (only offering stimulation without receiving feedback) or closed loop (the stimulation parameters can be modified based on feedback responses).