Noninvasive closed-loop acoustic brain-computer interface for seizure control

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are crucial for understanding the brain.
• Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques are needed for BCI advancements.
• Epilepsy treatment requires innovative, non-invasive solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a non-invasive closed-loop acoustic brain-computer interface (aBCI).
• To decode seizure onset using electroencephalography (EEG) and trigger vagus nerve stimulation.
• To assess the efficacy of aBCI in terminating seizures in a rat epilepsy model.

Main Methods:

• Developed an aBCI system for real-time EEG seizure onset detection.
• Utilized ultrasound stimulation of the vagus nerve to terminate seizures in a rat model.
• Investigated the underlying seizure control mechanisms using RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

• The aBCI system successfully detected seizure onset and terminated seizures via vagus nerve ultrasound stimulation.
• Ultrasound stimulation activated nodose ganglion neurons and suppressed hippocampal/amygdala excitability.
• aBCI demonstrated superior antiepileptic effects compared to conventional electrical vagus nerve stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Closed-loop aBCI offers a novel, safe, and effective method for treating abnormal neuronal discharges.
• This technology represents a significant step towards next-generation non-invasive BCIs.
• aBCI enables on-demand neuromodulation for epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders.