Neurotechnology deals with using the human brain for various purposes and activities. It includes brain wave technology, brain prosthetics, computer programming, and more. Neurotechnology actually refers to all these technologies, but it is often used interchangeably with neurocomputing. In fact, many scientists refer to neurotechnology as the new form of computing. As time goes by, the scope of this technology is increasing as well. This article will help you understand the breadth of the technology.
Brainwave entrainment
Brainwave entrainment is a form of neurotechnology used to change brain activity in a way that is beneficial to a person. Basically, it involves the use of auditory stimulation and other forms of stimulation to modify the activities of a person’s brain without their knowledge or without their permission. One example of neurotechnology that has been around for some time is deep brain stimulation. With this technology, medical experts are able to effectively treat patients suffering from long-term medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. These medical experts use neurofeedback to teach patients how to control their brainwaves and how to regrow lost parts of their nervous system.
Brain-computer interface
Another form of neurotechnology involves the development of the brain-computer interface. It is basically a way to transfer data from one computer to another through the use of electronic devices. These electronic devices may include EEG (electroencephalographs) or other forms of brain imaging. The brain’s power to assimilate information from external sources via electrical signals is called a cortical network. As technology advances, there are many ways to implement these devices, ranging from providing direct electrical interfaces between two or more computers to the production of EEG biofeedback devices.
Computer programming
Computer programming is also widely used in neurotechnology. There are numerous applications in this technology. Some of these applications are found in video games or environment modification. Some of the applications in this technology are used for research purposes in cognitive science, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, artificial intelligence, image processing, decision making, speech and hearing recognition, knowledge representation, and memory encoding, amongst others.
Application of neurotechnology
Different types of neurotechnologies are being used to treat different brain disorders and dysfunctions. For instance, neurofeedback can be used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), seizures, depression, migraine, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, neurofeedback can be used to treat children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This technology allows researchers to gain a better understanding of the different characteristics and functions of different brain disorders using fMRI techniques.
Another application of neurotechnology is to improve the functionality of sensory organs. For instance, electrotherapy and ultrasound are used in treating inner ear disorders. Similarly, ultrasound and radio wave stimulation is used in treating brain tumor using ultrasound and radio wave emission technology.
Neurotechnologies that use stimulations of the brain are being used in many other areas such as rehabilitation therapy, sports therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, applied behavioral analysis, and learning disability. In addition, neurosurgery has also made use of this technology for the treatment of severe strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and patients with severe diseases like cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease. Deep brain stimulation through the use of electrodes is also being used for treating disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
These neurotechnologies could potentially provide many health benefits through the positive effects of technology on mental health. However, it is important to keep in mind that these are still in the early clinical trials stage. There have been instances of patients undergoing Neurotherapy and were not able to benefit from the treatment. Thus, before using these technologies for self-treatment, it is important that you consult your physician.
Development of neuromodulation technologies
One of the most common uses of neurotechnology involves the development of neuromodulation technologies such as biofeedback. Biofeedback is a form of neurotechnology that uses feedback from the patient’s own brain to control devices that are programmed by the neurotechnology specialist. For instance, if the patient wants to move his hand or feet, the therapist can use biofeedback sensors implanted in the patient’s muscles to detect the movement. The feedback from the muscle will then be converted to an electric signal that will be sent to a device that is programmed by the neurotech to deliver a specified action or stimuli to the patient.
Another neurotechnology used in neurosurgery is known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a powerful technology that uses radio waves and ultrafast magnetization to identify changes in the human brain and its functions. Because the brain functions in a complex manner, it is difficult for noninvasive diagnostic tools to reveal how the brain functions. MRI is one of the tools that researchers are using to improve brain function and remove disabilities caused by neurological disorders.