Introduction to Adaptive Neurotechnologies
Introduction to Neurotechnologies
The human central nervous system (CNS) is the most convoluted known neural network. The inherent complexity of CNS poses serious challenges to studying its behavior as well as treating its anomalies. The longing for understanding the intricacies of the CNS, in tandem with the ever-increasing need for assisting patients who are suffering from debilitating neurological disorders, has been the principal driving factor for collaboration among engineers and scientists from different disciplines–this collective interdisciplinary endeavor gave rise to the field that is known as neurotechnology. Neurotechnology is an avant-garde, interdisciplinary field that employs state-of-the-art technologies to study and interact with the CNS. From different imaging, recording, and monitoring modalities to innovative neuromodulation techniques, neurotechnology embodies a broad range of methodologies.
Neuroimaging
Imaging is a crucial step in investigating both the physiological structure and the function of the nervous system.
Structural Imaging
Structural imaging techniques allow for studying anatomy, configuration, and structure of the nervous system on different scales. Here we introduce two common imaging techniques for studying the macroscopic structure of the brain and the spinal cord.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that can produce detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels (Toga). Although the term "Computed tomography" might refer to a group of imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography or Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (in the most general sense) SPECT), here we only use it to refer to X-ray CT scan. A CT of the brain (and in general any other tissue) entails two steps: in the first step, the scanner uses a rotating X-ray beam to generate cross-sectional images—or "slices—of the brain. These 2D images are called tomographic images, and they are more informative than conventional X-rays. In the next step, a computer stacks successive slices and creates a 3D image of the brain. CT scan of the brain allows for easier identification and location of basic structures and possible tumors or abnormalities (Toga).