ABSTRACT
Over the past ten years, the idea of machines that could be controlled by one’s thoughts has emerged as a near-term clinical possibility. The most common technical term for such a device is a “brain-computer interface” (BCI). Other synonymous terms include direct brain interface (DBI), brain machine interface (BMI), and motor neuroprosthetics. These are machines that create a new output channel from the brain beyond the natural motor and hormonal commands. BCIs recognize some form of electrophysiological signal in the brain of a subject, and use these signal alterations to either communicate with, or control some element of, the outside world consistent with the intentions of that subject. Examples of such applications would be an electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal controlling a cursor on a computer screen, a prosthetic limb, or one’s own limb (e.g., through a bionic implant). These types of devices hold significant potential for improving the quality of life for people with severe motor impairment, including those with spinal cord injury, stroke, neuromuscular disorders, and amputees. These are patients who currently have very few options for any substantive intervention in altering their level of function. Moreover, due to the aging population and improved survival following stroke and trauma, these populations are increasing in size and relevance.
