The human brain comprises approximately billions of small cells that utilize electrical impulses and chemical signals to communicate with one another and other parts of the human body. These are known as neurons. When neurons stop functioning properly, it can cause various brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and even depression.
Researchers developed several treatment methods and techniques of brain stimulation which allow them to control neural activity to understand better and regulate these type of health issues. In conventional treatment methods and techniques of deep brain stimulation, electrical neurostimulators, also known as brain pacemakers, are surgically implanted in the brain.
Researchers also developed non-invasive treatment approaches to stimulate cells found deep within the brain. While several researchers utilize magnetic pulses or sound waves to stimulate neurons, researchers in optogenetics utilize light therapy. Shuo Chen, Ph.D., winner of Science and PINS Prize for Neuromodulation, was recognized for his work in this area.
Dr. Chen demonstrated that near-infrared light, when utilized with certain nanoparticles, allowed the stimulation of neurons deep within the brain, stated Dr. Karl Deisseroth, professor of bioengineering, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. More research studies are needed to make this a useful process, he said, but Dr. Chen took a key step.
Developing Light-Sensitive Neurons
Dr. Karl Deisseroth, one of the leading pioneers of optogenetics, developed a treatment method or technique in which the brain cells or neurons are genetically engineered to respond to light therapy. Through this method or technique of brain stimulation, researchers transmit fragments of genetic codes from algae and other microbes into the brain cells of mice and other animals. That genetic code ultimately causes neurons to produce light-responsive proteins known as opsins.
When opsin-producing neurons are exposed to specific wavelengths of visible-spectrum light, those brain cells turn on or off. By activating or suppressing the neurons, researchers can learn more about the fundamental role of neurons in brain function and brain disorders. Dr. Karl Deisseroth has also demonstrated the effects of developing light-sensitive neurons.
By developing light-sensitive brain cells, the causal role of cellular activity can be determined in the tissue and the behavior of interest of any species, ranging from memory to mood, stated Dr. Deisseroth. Furthermore, optogenetics brings the unmatched capability for speaking the brain’s natural language regarding cell-type specificity and speed, he added.
Developing Non-Invasive Treatment Approaches
Opsin-producing neurons, however, respond to visible-spectrum light which cant penetrate brain tissue. Therefore, optogenetic stimulation required the insertion of fiber-optic light sources inside the brain to stimulate neurons. Dr. Deisseroth and his colleague Polina Anikeeva, Ph.D., developed the utilization of near-infrared (NIR) light, a non-invasive type of light therapy.
NIR light can ultimately penetrate through the skull and brain tissue without inserting internal light sources inside the brain. However, NIR light also doesn’t trigger a response from opsin-producing neurons. To promote the tissue-penetrating abilities of NIR light therapy, Dr. Karl Deisseroth and Dr. Anikeeva developed a treatment approach known as NIR upconversion, which coats opsin-producing neurons in nanoparticles to convert NIR light into visible-spectrum light.
Dr. Shuo Chen utilized this treatment method and technique, demonstrating for the first time that NIR upconversion optogenetics can ultimately be utilized to control neurons deep in the brains of mice. In addition, Dr. Chen’s research studies utilized this method and technique to stimulate the release of dopamine in a region of the brain believed to play a role in depression.
Overcoming the challenge of optical penetration depth will be the fundamental key to realizing non-invasive remote optogenetics with high clinical translation potential, wrote Dr. Chen in his prizewinning essay on the topic. Our research study utilized a nanomaterial-assisted approach that shifts the existing optogenetic tools into the near-infrared region.
Brain Stimulation for the Human Brain
While researchers continue to research optogenetics in mice and other animals, it hasn’t been utilized to treat brain disorders in humans. Furthermore, more research studies are required to develop and evaluate non-invasive methods of light therapy and non-invasive methods and techniques for transmitting genetic code into brain cells or neurons.
It is too soon to predict which treatment approach will emerge at the forefront of next-generation non-invasive brain stimulation technology, Dr. Chen said in a press release issued by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. However, we believe that a variety of fundamental achievements, such as NIR upconversion optogenetics, are quickly unlocking development pathways and paving the way towards a bright therapeutic future for brain diseases, he continued.
In the meantime, other methods and techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation are also being developed, evaluated, and utilized in humans. For example, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment approach that utilized magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has already allowed TMS marketing as a treatment approach for major depression as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder and migraine headaches.
There are also several non-invasive methods and techniques which don’t require the utilization of gene therapies, such as transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation, which are commonly utilized with human subjects on an experimental, regular basis, stated Ed Boyden, Ph.D., a professor of neurotechnology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Members of Boyden”s research study group have also conducted research studies on transcranial electric stimulation (TES), a non-invasive treatment approach to brain stimulation in which electrodes are placed on the scalp. Researchers hope for this method and technique to reach neurons or cells deep within brain tissue with greater precision than TMS.
Although research studies have demonstrated that light therapy can stimulate brain cells or neurons of mice and other animals, urther research studies are required to determine how light therapy treatment methods and techniques can stimulate the human brain. According to these same research studies, light therapy can alter neurons or brain cells which can ultimately cause Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, and other brain diseases. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The human brain consists of billions of small cells or neurons which communicate with one another and other parts of the human body. When neurons stop functioning properly, it can cause a variety of brain disorders. Researchers have developed a variety of light therapy treatment approaches to help stimulate the brain ultimately. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals; however, chronic pain is different from the average pain type. The human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain with chronic pain, regardless of the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility, reducing flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to various neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
The human brain is the human body’s control center. It is a fundamental structure in the nervous system, which also includes the spinal cord and a system of nerves and neurons. The nervous system controls every structure and function in the human body. When the brain is damaged, it can ultimately affect the function of the nervous system, including memory, sensation, and even personality. Brain disorders include any health issues which affect the brain. This includes health issues due to: �
genetics
illness
trauma or injury
What are the Different Types of Brain Disorders?
There is a wide array of different brain disorders which can vary tremendously in symptoms and grade of severity. Below, we will demonstrate the different types of brain disorders and discuss several of the most common types of brain disorders. �
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are generally caused by blunt trauma or injury. Trauma or injury can damage brain tissue, neurons, and nerves. This damage affects the brain’s capacity to communicate with the rest of the human body. Several brain injuries include: �
hematomas
blood clots
contusions or bruising of brain tissue
cerebral edema or swelling inside the skull
concussions
strokes
Common symptoms of brain injuries include: �
vomiting
nausea
speech difficulty
bleeding from the ear
numbness
paralysis
memory loss
problems with concentration
Furthermore, other common symptoms you may develop include: �
high blood pressure
low heart rate
pupil dilation
irregular breathing
Depending on the type of brain injury, treatment may include medication, rehabilitation, or brain surgery. Approximately half of the people with acute brain injuries require surgery to remove or repair damaged tissue and to relieve stress. Individuals with mild brain injuries may not require any treatment past medication. Many people with brain injuries may also require: �
physical therapy
speech and language therapy
psychiatry
Brain Tumors
Occasionally, brain tumors can develop and they can become quite dangerous. These are known as primary brain tumors. In other instances, cancer from other regions of the body can spread into the brain. These are known as secondary or metastatic brain tumors. Brain tumors may be categorized as either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Healthcare professionals also categorize brain tumors as grades 1, 2, 3, or 4. Higher numbers indicate more severe cancers. �
The main cause of the majority of brain tumors is largely unknown. They can occur in people of all age. Symptoms of brain cancers generally depend on the size and location of the tumor. The most common symptoms of brain tumors include: �
headaches
seizures
tingling sensations or numbness in the arms or legs
nausea
vomiting
changes in personality
difficulty with movement or balance
changes in hearing, speech, or vision
The type of treatment you’ll receive for the brain tumors depends on a variety of different factors, such as the size of the brain tumor, your age, and your overall health and wellness. The main types of treatment for brain tumors include: �
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
surgery
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative disorders cause the brain and the nerves to gradually deteriorate as people age. They can affect an individual’s personality and cause confusion. They are also able to destroy the brain’s tissue and nerves. Brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease may develop over time with age. It can slowly impair memory and thought processes. Other diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease are genetic and can develop at any age. Common neurodegenerative diseases include: �
Huntington’s disease
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
all types of dementia
Several of the most common symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases include: �
Memory loss
forgetfulness
apathy
anxiety
agitation
a loss of inhibition
mood changes
Neurodegenerative diseases can ultimately cause irreversible damage and symptoms generally have a tendency of becoming worse as the disease progresses. New symptoms can also continue to develop over time. Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, however, treatment can help improve symptoms. The treatment goal for these health issues is to reduce symptoms and maintain quality of life. Treatment often involves the use of medications to control symptoms. �
Mental Disorders
Mental disorders, or mental illnesses, are a wide variety of health issues which affect behavior patterns. Much like the brain disorders previously mentioned, symptoms can also vary. Several of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders are: �
depression
anxiety
bipolar disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
schizophrenia
The symptoms of mental disorders can vary based on the health issue. Different people can experience exactly the same mental disorders differently. Make sure to speak with a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your behavior, thought patterns, or mood. The two major types of treatments for mental disorders are medication and psychotherapy. Different treatments work better for different health issues. Many individuals find that a combination of both is best. �
If you believe that you may have a mental disorder, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional for diagnosis in order to determine which treatment program is suitable for you. There are many resources available to treat mental disorders. �
What are the Risk Factors for Brain Disorders?
Brain disorders can affect anyone, however, the risk factors can ultimately vary for different types of brain disorders. Traumatic brain injury is most common in children under 4 years old, young adults between 15 and 25 years old, and adults 65 and older. Brain tumors may affect any individual at any given age. An individual’s risk for developing brain disorders generally depends on the individual’s genetics and their vulnerability to environmental risk factors, such as radiation. �
Older age and family history are the most important risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. Mental disorders are extremely common. About 1 in 5 American adults have experienced a mental health issue. Your risk may be greater if you: �
have a family history of mental illness
have or have had traumatic or stressful life experiences
have a history of misusing drugs or alcohol
have or have experienced a traumatic brain injury
There are a variety of treatment approaches which can help improve brain disorders. The outlook for people with brain disorders depends on the type and severity of the brain disorder. Several of these health issues can be easily treated with the utilization of medication and other therapy methods and techniques. Other brain disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases and several types of traumatic brain injuries have no cure, however, treatment approaches can help improve symptoms. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article above is to discuss the different types of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Neurological diseases are associated with the brain, the spine, and the nerves. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
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