Unlike stimulation for treatment of Parkinson's or other issues, in which the brain is stimulated continuously or repeatedly with an implanted pacemaker-like device, memory in the latest study was improved by a single burst of current when administered in the right location as memories were being formed, according to Dr. Fried.

WSJ: Memory Gets Jolt in Brain Research

This wouldn't be able to replicate the function of the vestibular system, but it could act like a pacemaker for people who have attacks that make the vestibular system go haywire, like sufferers of Meniere's disease.

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The goal is for the system to be wireless with everything contained in the body, much like a pacemaker, he says.

CNN: Powering prosthetics with thoughts alone

An epilepsy patient could have a pacemaker for the brain: An electrode array like Donoghue's could pick up signals that lead to a seizure, and a stimulator could fire and reset the brain before the seizure takes hold.

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