Researchers develop anti-epileptic brain implants

Researchers have successfully demonstrated an electronic device implanted into brain that can detect, prevent and stop epileptic seizures.

Researchers from University of Cambridge in France implanted an electronic device directly into mice brains, which they claim can stop seizures. When the first signals of a seizure were detected, the device delivered a native brain chemical that stopped the seizure from progressing.

“These thin, organic films do minimal damage in the brain, and their electrical properties are well-suited for these types of applications,” said George Malliaras who led the research.

Though there are various types of seizures, in most patients with epilepsy, the neurons in brain start firing and signal to neighboring neurons to fire too that affects consciousness or motor control.

The researchers used a neurotransmitter that acts as the ‘brake’ at the source of the seizure, basically signaling the neurons to stop firing and end the seizure. The drug is delivered to the affected brain region by a neural probe incorporating a small ion pump and electrodes to monitor neural activity, reported Science Daily.

The team discovered that seizures could be prevented with fairly small doses of drug representing less than 1% of the complete amount of drug filled inside the device. This indicates that the device should be able to operate for extended time periods without the need to refill.

“In addition to be being able to control exactly when and how much drug is delivered, what is special about this approach is that the drugs come out of the device without any solvent. This prevents damage to the surrounding tissue and allows the drugs to interact with the cells immediately outside the device,” expressed lead author Dr Christopher Proctor.

Additionally, the team also discovered the evidence that the drug delivered, which was in fact a neurotransmitter that is native to the body, was taken up by natural processes in the brain within minutes that should help lessen side effects from the treatment, wrote Deccan Chronicle.

The study published in the journal Science Advances state that the early results are promising, yet the probable treatment would not be available for humans for many years. The team further plans to study the longer-term effects of the device in mice. However, the results can also be applied to other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or brain tumors.