NEURAL

ENGINEERING
 Chapter objective
• >Meaning of neural engineering
• >History of neural engineering
• >Fundamentals of neural engineering
• >Scopes of neural engineering
• >relationship of neural engineering to Biomedical field
• >Applications of neural engineering
• >Importance of neural engineering
 MEANING
OFNEURAL
ENGINEEERING
Neural Engineering is a
discipline within biomedical
engineering that uses
engineering techniques to
understand, repair, replace or
enhance neural systems.
Neural system is group of
cells called neurons that
are specialized for the
conduction of an impulse.
 HISTORY OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
• Neural engineering is relatively new field, information and research
relating to its comparatively limited .the neural engineering journal
was emerged in 2004.Intenational conferences on neural engineering
have been held by the IEEE since 2003 from 29 April until 2 May 2009
in Antalya and other conference were held up to the 8th conference in
may 2017 in Shanghai.
 FUNDAMENTALS OF NEURAL
ENGINEERING
The fundamentals behind neural engineering involve the relationship of
neurons, neural networks, and nervous system functions to
quantifiable models to aid the development of devices that could
interpret and control signals and produce purposeful responses.
 SCOPE OF NEURAL
ENGINEERING
Þ Neuromechanics ; is the coupling of neurobiology ,biomechanics , sensation and
perception and robotics[Edward 2010]
ÞNeuromodulation ; Aims to treat diseases or injury by employing medical devices
technologies that would enhance or suppress activity of the nervous system with
delivery of pharmaceutical agents , electrical signals or other forms of energy
stimulus to re-establish balance in impaired regions of the brain.
ÞNeural imaging ;Neural imaging technicians are used to investigate the activity of
neural networks , as well as the structure and function of the brain . Neural
imaging technologies include functional magnetic resonance imaging{IMRI}
ÞBrain-computer interfaces ;Brain-computer interfaces seek to directly
communite with the nervous system to monitor and stimulate neural circuits as
well……………..and treat intrinsic neurological dysfunction
 RELATIONSHIP OFNEURAL
ENGINEERING TO BIOMEDICAL
FIELD
• The field of neural engineering draws on the fields of
computational neuroscience, experimental neuroscience, neurology,
electrical engineering and signal processing of living neural tissue, and
encompasses elements from robotics, cybernetics,
computer engineering, neural tissue engineering, materials science,
and nanotechnology.
• Prominent goals in the field include restoration and augmentation of
human function via direct interactions between the nervous system
and artificial devices.
APPLICATIONS 0F NEURAL
ENGINEERING
1.NEUROIMAGING
Is a discipline of neural engineering and neural science that helps researchers map the brain using 3D
images .These images acts as references for physicians and researchers to better understand the structure
of the nervous system and any disorders that might affect.

2.NEURAL INTERFACES
Are advanced technological tools that connect neurological pathways with external devices using brain-
computer interface .Doctors use neural interfaces for patients with special conditions to restore motor or
cognitive functions . For example someone with Parkinson’s disease might regain mobility or speech with a
neural interface.

3.NEURO ROBOTICS
Is an emerging field that focuses on replicating the neurological system of human in robotics . engineer
study how the body’s nervous system works and how to transfer those functions into a nonliving machines.
 Cont…
4.NEUROMECHANICS
Is discipline that focuses on studying the science of movement and how nervous system
controls the musculoskeletal system . Engineers may also help develop neuromechanical
tools like movement aids or software for tracking and mapping patient movement.

5.NEURAL PROSTHESES
Neural prostheses are devices that help to restore some level of neurological function to
those who have lost .These can be internal or external pieces of equipment such as dorsal
column stimulator for spinal cord injury or chronic pain . These advanced prostheses
attach to the spine and allow patients to control their pain levels ,tremors , spasticity and
rigidity with a remote control. Engineers research ,design , create and maintain these
devices and teach other medical employees how to use the device.
 IMPORTANCE OF NEURAL
ENGINEERING
1-Study neurological disorders ; Neural engineers research the nervous
system, nervous system disorders (problems) or diseases and neurological
enhancements. In which their research often supports the medications and
provide insight into how the human mind operates.
2-Develop robotic systems ;Neural engineers help develop robotic systems
that mimic the neurological abilities of human nervous system.
3-Create models of neurological activity ; Neural engineer create 3D
models of neurological structures and activities using computer software .
These models help them study neurological activity without invading a
patient’s nervous system and allow them to collect data , predict trends
and discover new information about neurological processes.
 Cont…
4-Neural engineers help to design new biomedical technology and
study the link between technology and neurology . For example neural
engineer might help a bionic limb that responds to neurological
stimulations.
5-Design diagnostic tools for neurological disorders . Neural engineer
design , develop and implement advanced diagnostic tools for treating
and managing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and
parkin son’s disease .These tools can help enhance the quality of life
for people with these conditions.