Brain implant
Brain Implant
A Brain Implant (pronunciation: /breɪn ˈɪmplænt/), also known as a neural implant, is a device that is directly inserted into the brain. Brain implants are a common type of neuroprosthetic, designed to help restore function or create new activity in the brain.
Etymology
The term "brain implant" is derived from the English words "brain", referring to the organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, and "implant", which originates from the Latin implantare meaning 'to insert or graft'.
Function
Brain implants are typically used to treat neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. They can also be used to restore sensory function, such as in cochlear implants for hearing or retinal implants for vision.
Types
There are several types of brain implants, including:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This involves implanting a medical device called a neurostimulator, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain. DBS is primarily used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): In VNS, a device is implanted under the skin in the chest. A wire (lead) connected to this device is wound around the vagus nerve in the neck. The device sends electrical signals along the nerve to the brain.
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): The RNS System is a type of brain implant that monitors brain waves and delivers a brief pulse of stimulation when it detects unusual activity that could lead to a seizure.
Risks and Challenges
While brain implants can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with certain neurological conditions, they also come with risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and negative reactions to anesthesia. There are also challenges related to the longevity of the devices and the need for ongoing adjustments or replacements.
Future Developments
Research is ongoing into new types of brain implants and ways to improve the effectiveness of existing ones. This includes work on implants that can enhance memory or cognitive function, and the development of wireless or fully implantable devices.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brain implant
- Wikipedia's article - Brain implant
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