$1,068,985
Brain-Computer Interfaces for Functional Recovery from Brain Injury
University of Washington
Focus: To increase functional recovery in damaged areas of the brain using implantable electrical stimulators.
Recovery from brain damage due to a stroke, traumatic brain injury or epilepsy presents a struggle for thousands of patients in Washington State and millions of people throughout the world. Electrical stimulation of the brain, which promotes long-term changes in nerve activity, could potentially be a new treatment for advancing recovery in individuals suffering from brain impairment. The investigators will use implantable electric stimulators to more effectively and continuously stimulate the brain’s outer region or cortex. The team will develop and test minimally invasive techniques meant to enhance the clinical application of the implantable electric stimulators. Parallel studies will be conducted in animal models and human subjects using a neurochip to develop more effective delivery of therapeutic brain stimulation. The potential for translation and use in clinical settings could have a wide-ranging impact for Washingtonians with neurological disorders and those recovering from, or managing, chronic brain-deterioration disease.
Co-Applicant Organization: Washington State University
Modified: 08/05/08