GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Brain Chip Soothes Neurological Problems

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 07-08-10 | Comments

Scientists from Tel Aviv University have developed a chip to more precisely control deep-brain stimulation. Such control could lead to better therapies for syndromes like Parkinson�s, depression and brain trauma.

Today, pacemakers�small devices that electrically stimulate the heart�have become commonplace. People often wear them after heart attacks and to control arrhythmias. Less commonly, people with neurological problems sometimes have similar devices, which provide deep-brain stimulation through electrical impulses. A team of researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a chip to make these �pacemakers for the brain� safer and more effective.

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is useful for a wide range of neurological problems, like Parkinson�s disease, depression and Tourette�s syndrome. DBS works by stimulating specific areas of the brain to relieve symptoms such as twitches. Although the procedure is invasive�it involves drilling holes in a patient�s skull and carefully threading wires through the brain�it is very effective. Unfortunately, current methods of controlling DBS are largely imprecise. Over-stimulation, which can reverse therapeutic benefits, is a common problem.

The new chip, called the �Rehabilitation Nano Chip,� works to make DBS more accurate. The chip attaches to small electrodes in the brain and, using algorithms to calculate the proper amount of stimulation, conducts electrical impulses.

"The chip itself can be implanted just under the skin, like pacemakers for the heart, ensuring that the brain is stimulated only when it needs to be," says Matti Mintz, one of the researchers on the Tel Aviv University team.

The scientists imagine that, as chips become smaller, the Rehabilitation Nano Chip could be engraved on the surface of the electrodes, thus making the process less invasive.

"We are attaching the chip to the brain to stimulate relatively simple brain behaviors," Mintz explains.

The new technology allows for two-way communication between the brain and the device. This advancement means the chip could be used both to replace and rehabilitate damaged parts of the brain. The researchers envision many promising applications for the chip. Trauma victims could have lost brain function restored, they say, and patients with drug-resistant epilepsy could be cured. While the technology is currently being used on animal models, researchers may begin human trials soon.

Other researchers from Tel Aviv University included Yossi Shaham-Diamond, Hagit Messer-Yaron and Dr. Mira Kalish. Scientists from Austria, Spain and the United Kingdom also were regularly involved.