A Lightning Strike Shut Off a Woman’s Brain Implant

DBS devices, such as the woman’s, are increasingly used to help treat neurological conditionslikeParkinson’s, tremors, muscle spasms, epilepsy, and obsessive compulsive disorders. The devices work by placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain to deliver electrical impulses that are thought to help regulate aberrant electrical signals there—although it’s still unclear how exactly this works. The devices’ electrical impulses are generated by a pacemaker-like pulse generator implanted in the chest or torso, connected by wiring and powered by a battery.

Some pulse generators’ batteries—including the woman’s—can be paired with an antenna-equipped recharger system that itself is charged using a standard wall plug.

Source: arstechnica.com