Adaptive electric field control of epileptic seizures

We describe a novel method of adaptively controlling epileptic seizure-like events in hippocampal brain slices using electric fields. Extracellular ne uronal activity is continuously recorded during field application through d ifferential extracellular recording techniques, and the applied electric fi eld strength is continuously updated using a computer-controlled proportion al feedback algorithm. This approach appears capable of sustained ameliorat ion of seizure events in this preparation when used with negative feedback. Seizures can be induced or enhanced by using fields of opposite polarity t hrough positive feedback. In negative feedback mode, such findings may offe r a novel technology for seizure control. In positive feedback mode, adapti vely applied electric fields may offer a more physiological means of neural modulation for prosthetic purposes than previously possible.