Closed-loop control of seizures in a rat model of absence epilepsy using the BioMEA™ system

This preliminary study constitutes a proof of concept for seizure-triggered neuromodulation in a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy (GAERS) using the BioMEAtrade system. BioMEAtrade is a 256-channel MEA system with integrated electronics (ASIC) allowing simultaneous recording and stimulation of neural networks in vitro. It is based on parallel architecture of 64-channel ASICs with recording and stimulation capabilities for each channel. Here, we show that BioMEAtrade can also be used to develop adaptive protocols of neurostimulation in vivo. In epileptic rats, a seizure detection algorithm delivered online command to BioMEAtrade for bilateral stimulation of the substantia nigra pars reticulata which aborted spike-and-wave discharges in many instances, within 1 second following seizure onset.