Engineering aspects behind neuroprosthetics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the engineering aspects of neuroprosthetics, including the types of prosthetics, electrodes used, and the electrical mechanisms involved. Participants explore various categories of neuroprosthetics and seek to understand the underlying engineering principles, particularly in relation to electrical synapses and their function in motor prosthetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the definition of neuroprosthetics and the current understanding of the topic.
  • There is a focus on the electrical functioning of electrodes and how they interact with electrical synapses in the brain.
  • Different types of neuroprosthetics are identified, including sensory, motor, and cognitive prosthetics, along with the corresponding electrode types: transcutaneous, subcutaneous, and percutaneous.
  • Participants discuss the specific applications of each electrode type, noting that percutaneous electrodes are often used for testing before permanent implants.
  • Concerns are raised about explaining the engineering aspects and the functioning of electrical synapses in the context of brain implants.
  • A later reply suggests that subcutaneous electrode implants represent an advanced area of neuroprosthetics and mentions research related to spinal cord injury paralysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the classification of neuroprosthetics and the types of electrodes, but there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the engineering details and the specific applications of each electrode type. The discussion remains unresolved as participants seek further clarification and insights.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of detailed explanations regarding the engineering principles behind electrical synapses and the specific mechanisms of electrode functioning. The discussion also depends on the definitions of neuroprosthetics and the various types of electrodes, which may not be universally agreed upon.

engggirl123
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Hello, I'm doing a research paper for school about the engineering aspects behind neuroprosthetics. Can anyone offer some insight into this topic?
 
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engggirl123 said:
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...
 


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.
 


engggirl123 said:
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

.
 


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


engggirl123 said:
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?
 


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?
 


engggirl123 said:
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?
 

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