Brain Monitoring Services
Neurons communicate through electrical and chemical signals. The specific properties of the neurons composing a brain area and their connections with neurons in other brain areas, define the function of a brain area (e.g. language, vision, movement).
Monitoring Neural Activity
There are different ways to record and monitor neural activity. Our solution is to provide electrodes that are placed on top of or within the brain and capture the activity of a group of neurons located underneath/around each contact. The signals recorded are called intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) or electrocorticography (ECoG) signals. The shape, amplitude and frequency of these electrical signals provide a readout of the activity of that brain area.
Monitoring Neurological Disorders
Neurological diseases may be associated with disturbances in neural activity and connectivity between brain areas. The changes in the shape, amplitude and frequency of recorded electrical signals may be used to identify areas with altered activity.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the disease associated with spontaneously recurring seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. There are different types of seizures and their characterization and classification helps guiding the treatment.
There are more than twenty seven FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of seizures. However, in ~1/3 of the patients medication fails to control their seizures. These patients are candidates for surgical options. 3, 4
Patient Evaluation for Epilepsy Surgery
Patient selection for surgical options is based on non-invasive and invasive evaluations.
Phase 1 - Non-invasive
The first step to provide a baseline exam is performed in order to determine where the seizure activity in the brain begins. No surgery is required for this phase, and typically involves imaging.
Phase 2 - Invasive
When phase I results are not conclusive, patients undergo Invasive intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) – or a Phase 2 evaluation, using:
- Cortical Electrodes - Strips and grids
- Stereoelectroencephalography - sEEG
Customer reviews
No reviews were found for Brain Monitoring Services. Be the first to review!