Neuroprosthetics
Neuroprosthetics
Neuroprosthetics (pronounced: neuro-pros-thetics), also known as neural prosthetics, is a discipline related to neuroscience and biomedical engineering that uses artificial devices to replace or improve the function of an impaired nervous system.
Etymology
The term "neuroprosthetics" is derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning nerve and "prosthesis" meaning addition. It refers to the use of artificial devices to replace or enhance the function of the nervous system.
Definition
Neuroprosthetics is a branch of science that integrates the fields of neurology, robotics, and biomedical engineering. It involves the development and application of implantable medical devices that can interact with the nervous system to restore sensory, motor or cognitive functions that may have been impaired due to disease or injury.
Types of Neuroprosthetics
There are two main types of neuroprosthetics: sensory neuroprosthetics and motor neuroprosthetics.
- Sensory Neuroprosthetics are devices that replace or enhance sensory input. Examples include cochlear implants for hearing loss and retinal implants for vision loss.
- Motor Neuroprosthetics are devices that replace or enhance motor output. Examples include deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.
Related Terms
- Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
- Biomedical Engineering: The application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes.
- Cochlear Implant: A device that provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve in the inner ear.
- Retinal Implant: A biomedical implant technology currently being developed by a number of companies worldwide, designed to restore functional vision in those suffering from partial or total blindness.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: A neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a medical device called a neurostimulator, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: A therapy that masks pain signals before they reach the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuroprosthetics
- Wikipedia's article - Neuroprosthetics
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