Biomimetic microstimulation to repair focal nervous system injury

Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) can be used to deliver information into the nervous system. Recorded neuronal spike trains played back asICMS might deliver information that mimics natural inputs to a cortical region. We are investigating whether such biomimetic ICMS can substitute for information lost due to nervous system injury.

neuron action potentials

Neuron action potentials being recorded simultaneouslu from 64 implanted microelectrodes.

Abstract:
The purpose of this effort is to develop a model of cortical circuits involved in dexterous reaches and grasps. Model development will be based on neural data recorded during the performance of dexterous motor tasks. A battery of tests will be designed to test the models’ ability to account for the effects of experimental brain manipulations including activation and inactivation. Specific treatments tested and developed in this effort, such as multichannel biomimetic intracortical microstimulation, may come to clinical application in accelerating brain plasticity, repairing damaged circuits and maintaining these repairs. The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop a model that can be used for clinical diagnosis and treatment for recovery from brain injury, other neurological injuries and other diseases of the central nervous system.

Researcher: Marc H. Schieber, M.D., Ph.D.
Neural Control of Individuated Finger Movements