Engineering aspects behind neuroprosthetics

[engggirl123]

Hello, I'm doing a research paper for school about the engineering aspects behind neuroprosthetics. Can anyone offer some insight into this topic?

 

[berkeman]

Hello, I'm doing a research paper for school about the engineering aspects behind neuroprosthetics. Can anyone offer some insight into this topic?

Welcome to the PF.

Can you please start by defining the term, and tell us what you know so far about the subject? There has been some very interesting new research lately, BTW...

 

[engggirl123]

Well, I've researched the different types that exist, and the different electrodes. I mostly need help with the electrical part, basically how it the electrode working? I need to explain how the electrical synapses work and how motor prosthetics replace the broken connections to stimulate the electrodes.

 

[berkeman]

Well, I've researched the different types that exist, and the different electrodes. I mostly need help with the electrical part, basically how it the electrode working? I need to explain how the electrical synapses work and how motor prosthetics replace the broken connections to stimulate the electrodes.

Which type of prostethetics will you be focusing on? There are many, many types, and each type may use different types of electrodes, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroprosthetics

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[engggirl123]

The types we've mentioned are sensory, motor and cognitive. The electrodes are transcutaneous, subcutaneous and percutaneous.

 

[berkeman]

The types we've mentioned are sensory, motor and cognitive. The electrodes are transcutaneous, subcutaneous and percutaneous.

Good. What kinds of prosthetics would you use each of those 3 electrode types for, and why?

 

[engggirl123]

Well, sensory is mostly visual and auditory and they can be transcutaneous or subcutaneous. Percutaneous is usually used for testing individuals to see if they are capable of having a permanent implant. And subcutaneous can be used for most of them. The biggest thing were having problems with is explaining the engineering aspect and how the electrical synapses work in the brain?

 

[berkeman]

Well, sensory is mostly visual and auditory and they can be transcutaneous or subcutaneous. Percutaneous is usually used for testing individuals to see if they are capable of having a permanent implant. And subcutaneous can be used for most of them. The biggest thing were having problems with is explaining the engineering aspect and how the electrical synapses work in the brain?

So you are looking at subcutaneous electrode implants in the brain? That's probably the most advanced area of neuroprosthetics. Have you read about the work on using neuroprosthetics for adressing spinal cord injury paralysis?