SUMMARY
Benjamin H. Brinkmann, Ph.D., develops seizure detection and prediction capabilities using noninvasive and minimally invasive biosensors. The biosensors improve the accuracy of pre-surgical evaluation using new methods for analysis of image and neurophysiological data. His unique role as an engineer embedded in a clinical practice, allows him to help people and share his research.
Dr. Brinkmann has developed and implemented enterprise-wide analytics supporting pre-surgical epilepsy evaluation and systems for statistical processing of ictal single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images. He also has developed methods to verify stereotactic electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode placement for individuals with epilepsy. Dr. Brinkmann publishes extensively on EEG and magnetoencephalography source reconstruction and imaging methods. He is an expert in mobile recording systems for epilepsy.
Focus areas
- Noninvasive wearable devices for seizure detection and forecasting.
- Machine-based learning and signal-processing methods for seizure forecasting using ambulatory intracranial EEG with applications to neuroimaging studies to identify abnormal and potentially epileptogenic brain regions.
- Detection, analysis and mapping of high-frequency oscillations from chronic and intraoperative intracranial EEG recordings.
- Ictal SPECT image processing and analysis in seizure localization.
- Voxel-based morphometric analysis of magnetic resonance imaging for localization of structural abnormalities in epilepsy.
- Volumetric functional and structural image analysis.
Significance to patient care
The goal of Dr. Brinkmann's research is to go beyond predicting the probable occurrence of a seizure to providing the actual delivery of therapy to prevent the seizure. These next-generation epilepsy management and therapy platforms may have an inestimable impact on the quality of life of people with epilepsy. Prevention of seizures may allow individuals to pursue typical activities of everyday life, such as driving. More importantly, seizure prevention might counteract the comorbidities of epilepsy such as depression, impaired cognition and sleep disturbances. Dr. Brinkmann collaborates with the Bioelectronics Neurophysiology and Engineering Lab at Mayo Clinic.
Professional highlights
- Technical co-chair and founding member, Neurotechnology in Epilepsy Section, International League Against Epilepsy, 2023-present.
- EEG project lead, Mayo Clinic Neurology Artificial Intelligence Program, Mayo Clinic, 2021-present.
- Founding member, wearables in epilepsy and research consortium, 2021-present.
- Voting member, WG-32: Neurophysiology Data, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine, 2020-present.
- President and CEO, 3D Medical Imaging Inc., 2006-2015.