“When obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) controlled Amber Pearson’s life, she would often wash her hands until they bled, repeatedly check if the windows were closed, and eat alone to avoid infection. However, these behaviors are now just memories, thanks to a groundbreaking brain implant that has revolutionized the treatment of this mental disorder.
According to a report by Agence France-Presse, the 34-year-old Pearson became the first person to be equipped with a small device, similar in size to a small bandage, implanted in the back of her brain, significantly reducing her OCD and epilepsy seizures. The device represents a promising scientific advancement that has fundamentally changed the patient’s life.
Pearson, who resides in Oregon, western United States, expressed, “My daily life has improved, and I am amazed. Before, I was constantly trapped in my mind and preoccupied with obsessions.”
OCD consumed up to “eight or nine hours” of Pearson’s daily life, leading to social isolation. Prior to undergoing the implant, she would ensure that doors and windows were closed, gas fixtures were turned off, and power was disconnected from appliances before going to bed.
After undergoing the implant surgery, her OCD now only takes about 30 minutes of her day.
Electrical Pulse Stimulation
The device, measuring 32mm in diameter, sends an electrical pulse when it detects abnormal brain responses in the patient, aiming to restore normal function. This technique, known as “deep brain stimulation,” has been used for over 30 years to treat epilepsy. However, its role in reducing OCD had not been well-understood and was limited to experimental research until 2019 when doctors at Oregon Health & Science University conducted innovative surgery for Pearson.
Pearson underwent a surgery to implant a device for OCD and epilepsy, which is the world’s only device that treats both conditions simultaneously. According to the neurosurgeon Dr. Ahmed Raslan, he is still astonished by his patient’s results, noting that it was Pearson who suggested the idea to the medical team.
Despite having a part of her brain removed due to her constant epileptic seizures, Pearson still experiences violent seizures, even causing her to have a heart attack. This prompted doctors to consider implanting a device to combat this resistant illness. She asked them, “Since you’ll be entering my brain to place an electrical lead, and since I also have OCD, can you implant a lead to help me overcome this mental disorder?”
Raslan said, “Fortunately, we took this suggestion seriously.” To design the device, doctors monitored her brain activity by, for example, giving her seafood, one of the foods that caused her stress. This allowed them to identify the “electrical signatures” linked to OCD.
The company “Neuralink” announced that it successfully conducted the first brain chip implant surgery for a patient.
Implants: Making Hope
Raslan explained that the implant is programmed “to provide stimulation only when it detects these signals.” While one program treats epilepsy, the other deals with OCD.
Pearson waited eight months before noticing the initial changes in her behavior. She said, “I am happy to be back and excited to go out and live a normal life and be with my friends and family, with whom I have been disconnected for years.”
This surgery received praise in a scientific journal. Currently, a study is being conducted at the University of Pennsylvania to determine how this technology can be applied to other patients, according to Raslan. The procedure offers hope in the United States, where OCD affects approximately 2.5 million people.
Brain implants, in general, have attracted increasing interest. Neuralink, a company co-founded by Elon Musk, announced that it successfully conducted the first brain chip implant surgery for a patient.
The emerging company aims to use the chip to enable humans to communicate with computers, and also seeks to enable paralyzed individuals to walk again and help the blind regain their sight.”
