The DMRF is partnering with Jesse H. Goldberg, MD, PhD of Cornell University on a project to engineer a revolutionary new generation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices to treat dystonia and other neurological diseases.
Dystonia results from abnormal brain activity that can be corrected by direct electrical stimulation of dysfunctional brain pathways. In current DBS systems, an implanted medical device delivers continuous stimulation to the brain and adjustments to the stimulation must be made using a remote control device in the hands of a highly trained clinician. A major obstacle to providing patients with maximum benefit from this therapy is knowing where in the brain to stimulate and tailoring stimulation parameters to the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Goldberg proposes a radically new approach to DBS. He is using artificial intelligence to develop a system in which a computer, interconnected with the brain, figures out exactly how and where to stimulate to restore normal movement.
In this three-year project, Dr. Goldberg will establish the feasibility of this concept in mice. He is collaborating with Mert Sabuncu, PhD in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University.