Epicranial cortical stimulation: evaluation of a novel, minimally invasive, neuromodulation method

Direct cortical stimulation (DCS) is an invasive neuromodulation method in which electrodes are implanted on the cortex to deliver chronic stimulation. DCS has been used to treat neurological disorders such as neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease and tinnitus. A significant disadvantage of DCS is its highly invasive nature. Noninvasive neuromodulation methods such as TMS and transcranial current stimulation show great promise in treating some neurological disorders and require no surgery. However, a significant disadvantage is that only short duration stimulation can be delivered, while many disorders require chronic stimulation. This project will develop and evaluate epicranial cortical stimulation - a generic, minimally invasive, neuromodulation method in which a subcutaneous electrode is implanted on the skull to deliver chronic stimulation. This will be achieved through: 1) computational models to evaluate epicranial electrode designs, 2) acute patient evaluation and 3) chronic animal model evaluation. If successful, the method could offer a novel neuromodulation therapy for a range of brain disorders.

Keywords:epicranical corical stimulation

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences