A minimally encroaching implant that fit into the brain ’s vallecula is able of generating sensorial stimulation in precise areas of the hand . Previously , scientists had succeeded in provoke more generalizedsensationsthroughout the hand , yet this more advanced proficiency marks a footstep forward in the quest torestore motor functionin paralyzed individuals .
“ From buttoning our shirt to holding a loved one ’s hand , our sense of touching may be demand for grant until we fall behind it,”saidstudy author Chad Bouton from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research . “ These results show the ability to render that sense , even after it is lost , which may lead us to a clinical option in the future . ”
Tactile sensations can be evoked in sure consistency constituent by electrically stimulating specific regions of the brain ’s principal somatosensory cortex . The difficulty , however , lies in the fact that the brain is a wrinkly older matter , with undulating ridge and grooves . Until now , researchers had only been able to get to the raised ridges – or gyri – using high - density electrocorticography ( HD - ECoG ) electrode , despite the fact that specific area of the finger are controlled by neurons that dwell within the grooves , live as sulci .
In the journalBrain Stimulation , a squad of researcher describes how they were capable to place stereoelectroencephalography ( SEEG ) electrodes within the sulcus of two affected role . They succeed in evoking a sense of trace within highly focussed region of the hand , including the fingertips .
The researchers first analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project , which includes cortical maps showing which area of the somatosensory cortex correspond to which parts of the organic structure . This enable them to settle the regions that keep in line tactile responses in the fingertip , help them learn exactly where to place their SEEG electrode .
The implants were then inserted into these specific sulcal regions within the encephalon of two epilepsy patients who had consort to take part in the experiment while undergo surgical treatment for seizures . When the electrodes were activated , both player reported tingle sensations in their fingertip , with the affected field being well smaller and more precise than those unremarkably stimulated by HD - ECoG electrodes .
The technique for implanting SEEGelectrodesis also considerably secure and less invasive than more traditional methods , according to the study authors .
“ The minimally invasive coming for their implantation cut the danger of bleeding and transmission to 1 % and 0.8 % respectively from that of 4 % and 2.3 % for subdural electrode such as ECoG grid , ” they explain .
While this research still has some way to go and the implant has not yet been quiz in affected role with palsy , the authors are optimistic that “ sulcal foreplay via SEEG electrodes could be a clinically viable approach to restoring sense experience ” in font where this has been lost .
