Expertise:
Richard
Penn, M.D., is a neurosurgeon specialized in the treatments
of motor disorders and pain. He is known for bringing new
technology to treat neurological problems.
Dr. Penn has been doing collaborative research with neurology
and pediatric neurology at the University of Chicago, and
bioengineering at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Hydrocephalus:
With the engineers at UIC we have developed a model of
CSF flow in the brain in normal subjects and in hydrocephalic
patients. This has been combined with detailed MRI studies
of CSF flow in normal subjects as well as hydrocephalus patients
who are prior to or after shunting operations. Ways to measure
brain water as well as CSF flow changes have been developed
as well as ventricular wall displacement with CINE-MRI studies
done at the BRIC, the neuroimaging unit at the University
of Chicago.
Epilepsy:
To determine whether electrical stimulation might be used
for treating epileptic seizures, we are studying slices of
brain tissue removed from patients with epilepsy as well
as in animal models. Electrical currents are passed through
the tissue and the single unit and field potentials are recorded
before and after stimulation. These techniques are being
combined with modeling to predict the effects of stimulation.
Motor disorders:
A number of clinical projects are being pursued in this
area. Interoperative recording from single units is being
done in patients who are undergoing deep brain stimulating
operations. The single unit recording and field potentials
are being correlated with motor movements. The plan is to
substantially expand this work and integrate it with specific
testing of basal ganglion pathways.
Neuroprostheses:
With Cyberkinetics we have implanted a patient with a 100-electrode
array in the motor cortex. This quadriplegic patient will
then be tested to see if the output can be used to control
prosthetic devices. This work is being done in corroboration
with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Specific research projects:
--Hydrocephalus
--Epilepsy
--Motor disorders
--Neuroprostheses
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