Computational Models for Predicting Outcomes of Neuroprosthesis Implantation: the Case of Cochlear Implants

Mol Neurobiol. 2015 Oct;52(2):934-41. doi: 10.1007/s12035-015-9257-4. Epub 2015 Jun 18.

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the brain has resulted in the most successful neuroprosthetic techniques to date: deep brain stimulation (DBS) and cochlear implants (CI). In both cases, there is a lack of pre-operative measures to predict the outcomes after implantation. We argue that highly detailed computational models that are specifically tailored for a patient can provide useful information to improve the precision of the nervous system electrode interface. We apply our framework to the case of CI, showing how we can predict nerve response for patients with both intact and degenerated nerve fibers. Then, using the predicted response, we calculate a metric for the usefulness of the stimulation protocol and use this information to rerun the simulations with better parameters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cochlea / diagnostic imaging
  • Cochlear Implantation*
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Nerve Degeneration
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology
  • Precision Medicine / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • X-Ray Microtomography