Seizure control by electric field control

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Abstract A seizure is an abnormal neural activity in the brain and the main characteristic of epilepsy. About one-third of the patients have seizures resistant to anti-epileptic medication and therefore, an alternative treatment is necessary. Recent studies show that neurons can be recruited and seizures can propagate by a mechanism known as electric field coupling. Our laboratory has shown that canceling the electric field in the extracellular space can prevent neural propagation and recruitment. We now propose to develop a novel neurotechnology that not only can control the propagation of seizures but prevent the seizure from being generated by controlling the extracellular electric field. With a combined methodology of in-vitro electrophysiology with state-of-the-art neural imaging, computer modeling and in-vivo preparations in rodents, we will implement the seizure control system and study its mechanism with four specific aims: 1) Prevent neuronal synchronization in hyperexcitable neural tissue, 2) Develop a novel technology of extracellular voltage clamp to control seizures in-vivo, 3) Determine the mechanisms of seizure control by an extracellular voltage clamp system, 4) Determine the role of the extracellular space in the clamping efficiency. Current electrical responsive control therapy detects a seizure and then applies stimulation. The proposed neurotechnology will prevent the synchronization between neurons to stop the generation of seizures before they arise at very low current amplitude thereby providing a novel therapeutic paradigm for treating epilepsy.