Elucidation and control of cerebral neurophysiological function with focal brain-cooling for the purpose of clinical application.

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The aim of our study is to establish a focal brain cooling as a new treatment of epilepsy, intractable pain or severe neurotrauma. In the field of epilepsy, we demonstrated that focal cooling of the brain to a cortical surface temperature of 15 to 20℃ terminated epileptiform discharges without inducing irreversible neurophysiological dysfunctions or neuronal damage in brain tissue. We also confirmed the significant suppression of nociceptive pain due to the cooling of sensorimotor cortex, with a minimal influence on neurological functions in rats. Our studies suggest the focal cooling of the brain has a neuroprotective effect and has a therapeutic potential for patients who are suffering from severe brain disorders. Because of recent advances in the precision machinery industry, the application of an implantable local cooling system may be expected to become a reality in the near future. Finally, we advocate "thermal neuromodulation" as a new treatment paradigm.