#363 ‒ A new frontier in neurosurgery: restoring brain function with brain-computer interfaces, advancing glioblastoma care, and new hope for devastating brain diseases | Edward Chang, M.D.

In this episode of The Drive, Peter Attia interviews Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at UCSF, about the evolution of neurosurgery, awake brain surgery, brain-computer interfaces, and the challenges of treating glioblastoma. They discuss the history of neurosurgery from Harvey Cushing to modern techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and vascular neurosurgery. Dr. Chang explains awake brain surgery, how brain mapping protects language and motor function, and breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces. The conversation also covers the complexities of glioblastoma, genomic profiling, immune-based strategies, and the potential for future treatments. They explore the possibilities of neuroengineering, including functional electrical stimulation, and the ethical considerations of brain enhancement technologies. Dr. Chang shares his vision for 2030 and beyond, focusing on safer brain implants to restore speech and manage conditions like ALS and spinal cord injuries.