Text Box: When we think of sensation, the common 5 senses of the human body come to mind: vision, audio, touch, taste and smell. When it comes to neurotechnology, sensing can take a different form. It can be used to monitor, to diagnosis or to provide closed-loop systems with other devices. In layman’s terms, neurosensing is technology that monitors or provides a “view” into the human nervous system. Analysis of electrical activity patterns emanated from the central and peripheral nervous systems might lead to a clinical community that is more open to modalities of treatment based on electrical activation of the central nervous system. In this newsletter, we will concentrate on neurosensing used for monitoring the human body and as an interactive tool for people with movement impairments. Sensing as a Monitor Through the looking glass of technology, it is possible to view the conductions within the peripheral nervous system. Using stimulating electrodes and biosensors placed on the surface of the skin, this peripheral sensing technology is capable of detecting the peripheral nerve impulses generated in a given muscle. Nerves that are malfunctioning will transmit impulses slower than healthy nerves. Peripheral nerve testing systems are used to diagnosis carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathies, leg and lower back pain. During surgery, anesthesiologists have an aid in the form of consciousness monitoring technology. The monitoring is achieved by applying uniform distribution and compression electrodes to the head surface. Translating information from EEG (electroencephalography), the monitoring system feeds information to the clinician to help make a determination on the optimal anesthesia or sedation. In the psychiatric world, brain monitoring technology aids the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and dementia. This is not only helpful in diagnosis but also a tool for targeting an effective treatment. Within a few days of application, monitoring systems are able to measure the effectiveness; such as the impact of anti-depressant medications upon the treated person. Sensing for Movement Disorders In a medical facility, clinicians attempt to assess the movement of their patients by simulating their home environment. However, the clinician is limited since the patient’s home environment may be very different from the simulation. To help overcome this limitation, a new generation of wireless sensing devices have emerged that can be worn by people in their own environments. The device captures the movement activity and transmits it to a clinician who can then use this

Educate: Introduction to Neurosensing

Educate: Neurosensing

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Personal Experiences: Meet Erik Ramsey

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On the Horizon: Updates in the World of Neurotech

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Resources of Neurosensing

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Neurotechnology Education Series

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Advances Improve Outlook for Peripheral Nerve Repair

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Making Sense of Neurosensing
Text Box: In the past we have featured neurotechnology devices, therapies and treatments that provide function or enhance the abilities of the body. In this issue, we will explore a different segment of the neurotechnology field, Neurosensing. The unique feature of this segment of technology is the ability to monitor or “view” the nervous system. In medical practice, these devices can aid a clinician to a more informed diagnosis, serve as a means to customize treatments or provide the ability to interact with other technology. It is the third smallest segment of neurotechnology but is forecasted to be a $1.2 billion business by 2012. Neurosensing includes a wide variety of applications, including EEG & EMG, brain state analysis and brain-computer interfaces. In this newsletter, we will introduce some systems for monitoring the nervous system, for analyzing movement disorders and for interacting with other technologies.

Neurotech Network Newsletter   

Fall 2009     Volume 4, Issue 4

The Current

Inside this issue:
Text Box: The newsletter brought to you by with the support of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the support from our generous sponsors

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