Disclosed is a multiple electrode, closed-loop, responsive system for the
treatment of certain neurological diseases such as epilepsy, migraine
headaches and Parkinson's disease. Brain electrodes would be placed in
close proximity to the brain or deep within brain tissue. When a
neurological event such as the onset of an epileptic seizure occurs, EEG
signals from the electrodes are processed by signal conditioning means in
a control module that can be placed beneath the patient's scalp, within
the patient's chest, or situated externally on the patient. Neurological
event detection means in the control module will then cause a response to
be generated for stopping the neurological event. The response could be an
electrical signal to brain electrodes or to electrodes located remotely in
the patient's body. The response could also be the release of medication
or the application of a sensory input such as sound, light or mechanical
vibration or electrical stimulation of the skin. The response to the
neurological event can originate from devices either internal or external
to the patient. The system also has the capability for multi-channel
recording of EEG related signals that occur both before and after the
detection of a neurological event. Programmability of many different
operating parameters of the system by means of external equipment provides
adaptability for treating patients who manifest different symptoms and who
respond differently to the response generated by the system.