Neural dynamics and their relationship to learning behavior in response to stimulation with a cortical neuroprosthesis [Elektronische Ressource] / von Matthias Deliano

zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades genehmigt durch die Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg von Dipl. Biol. Matthias Deliano geb. am 7. April 1972 in München Gutachter: Prof. Dr. med. Henning Scheich Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Klaus-Peter Hoffmann Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Jochen Heinze eingereicht am: 11. November 2004 verteidigt am: 15. November 2005 i i Replacing lost sensory function with a cortical neuroprosthesis would be a promising alternative to interfacing earlier stages of the afferent sensory pathways, e.g. with cochlear or retinal implants. In bypassing the afferent pathways altogether, expectedly a wider range of patients would benefit from a cortical neuroprosthesis including those with damages at any level of the afferent sensory pathways. The critical step for the development of a sensory cortical neuroprosthesis is the generation of meaningful structured perception on the basis of spatially and temporally patterned electrical stimulation of sensory cortex.