Balance prosthesis device, method, system and computer program

Abstract

A balance prosthesis device for an individual including a sensor module configured to obtain a sensor signal indicative of a balance or equilibrium state of the individual, a processing module configured to determine at least one neurostimulation signal based at least in part on the obtained sensor signal, and a transmitter module configured to transmit the determined neurostimulation signal to a neurostimulation device of the individual. The neurostimulation signal is configured to elicit an artificial sensation in a specific sensory cortex area of the individual via directly stimulating afferent sensory axons of the central or peripheral nervous system of the individual targeting sensory neurons of the sensory cortex area not directly associated with vestibulocortical pathways of the individual. The elicited artificial sensation provides a balance indication to the individual in order to support, mimic, substitute or enhance the natural sense of balance of the individual.