All articles tagged with #neurostimulation
Researchers at Rice University have developed a pea-sized brain implant called Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT) that can stimulate the human brain to treat neurological disorders, offering a safer and more convenient alternative for conditions like drug-resistant depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Patients' beliefs about their treatment, whether real or placebo, play a significant role in the effectiveness of neurostimulation treatments for conditions like depression and ADHD, according to a study analyzing five independent studies. The research found that patients' perceptions often had more impact on outcomes than the treatments themselves, with beliefs sometimes fully explaining the results, interacting with the treatment, or having no influence at all. The study highlights the need to consider and record patients' beliefs in clinical research, suggesting it could be a key factor in treatment efficacy across various medical fields.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have used a personalized deep brain stimulation therapy called "responsive deep brain stimulation" to successfully treat a 34-year-old woman with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By training a brain implant to recognize a unique pattern of abnormal brain activity associated with OCD, the therapy was able to significantly reduce the woman's severe obsessions and compulsions. After two years of treatment, her disorder no longer consumed hours of her day. While further research is needed, this study provides hope for finding effective treatments for individuals with treatment-resistant OCD.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a magnetoelectric material that can stimulate neurons remotely and bridge the gap in a severed nerve. The material performs magnetic-to-electric conversion 120 times faster than similar materials, making it suitable for neurostimulation treatments. The material's properties could lead to less invasive procedures, as it can be injected at the desired site instead of requiring implantation. The research also provides a framework for advanced materials design that could drive innovation in various fields.
A study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital has identified a common brain network among individuals with substance use disorders, regardless of the type of substance or lesion location. By analyzing data from over 144 studies involving more than 9,000 participants, the researchers found consistent abnormalities in this shared circuit, suggesting it could be a potential target for neurostimulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of addiction.
Scientists have long been puzzled by theta waves, a type of brain wave that occurs during both wakefulness and sleep. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona has shed light on the source and function of theta waves. By using virtual mall navigation tasks and monitoring brain activity in epilepsy patients, the study found that theta waves are strongly associated with memory processes. The findings suggest that enhancing theta waves through neurostimulation could potentially slow cognitive decline and improve memory in individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. This research adds to the growing interest in using brain waves as a novel approach for treating neurological disorders.
A new approach involving neurostimulation shows promise as a partial solution for migraines and PTSD, offering hope for those suffering from these conditions.