Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for assessing brain plasticity by measuring electrical brain biomarkers, for example, with a near real-time analysis of electrical brain biomarkers, where an increase or decrease in at least one biomarker is indicative of a state of brain plasticity in response to a stimulus or treatment. Brain plasticity can be measured with or without an added stimuli, for example, to determine the best time for learning. Also provided is a method for treating a neurological disease or trauma by applying an electrical or drug stimulus to a patient, where the stimulus is increased or decreased depending on the changes of electrical brain biomarker of the patient. This treatment can occur in near real-time, so a course of treatment can be tailored immediately to a patient's needs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in neurophysiological research in general, and, in particular, for use on conscious, freely moving animals and on in vitro tissue samples. An array of elongated guide cannulae have lower ends which are parallel with and adjacent each other and upper ends which are inclined outwardly. Recording electrodes are slidably carried within each of the guide cannulae and an electrode adjustment mechanism moves the electrode or electrodes in each of the guide cannulae independently of the electrodes carried in the other guide cannulae. The apparatus has a capacity for recording vastly more timing patterns of neural activity than prior art devices.