Neuroengineering is the application of engineering techniques to study the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). Multiple approaches are used to study and treat impaired brain function and neurological disease, listed in the table below.
Approach | Description | Application(s) |
Technological | Developing technological therapies that augment or restore neurological function. | Brain computer interface, spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, neural prostheses, nerual control algorithms, neuro-rehabilitation therapies, neuro-modulatory devices |
Experimental | Measuring and modifying neural cells and neural cell circuits and investigating the neurological impact. | Neural tissue regeneration, neural networks and neuromorphic computing |
Quantitative/Computational | Constructing mathematical and computational models to predict neurological mechanisms or interactions that can be tested experimentally. | Discovering disease biomarkers, creating an AI-based prediction model to clinically diagnosis neurological disease |
Now, how can we use neuroengineering to treat addiction-induced neurological damage both during and following a stage of substance abuse? The video below will give a brief answer to this question.
Brain mapping and identification of damaged regions is one approach towards relieving addictive behaviors. Future units will explore a handful of other neuroengineering methods that help to treat the brain during and following drug addiction.
References
Ereifej, Evon S et al. “Neural engineering: the process, applications, and its role in the future of medicine.” Journal of neural engineering vol. 16,6 063002. 12 Nov. 2019, doi:10.1088/1741-2552/ab4869
https://engineering.uci.edu/dept/bme/research/neuroengineering
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational use only, and should not be construed as professional advice.