The woman, who suffers from ALS, received an implanted brain computer to help regain some of her functionality after being fully paralyzed. Image shows a graphic of what the implant looks like and how it functions (Image via New England Journal of Medicine)
Brain implants have been in development for years. Medical science have been looking to them to treat those with paralysis and help them regain functionality. Thanks to a new development in the field, brain implants are going even farther. A paralyzed woman is now the first person to use a fully implanted brain computer allowing her to regain some functionality. The 58-year-old woman, who wishes not to disclose her identity, was diagnosed with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2008. Since the disease attacks the neurons that are needed for voluntary muscled control, it left her completely paralyzed. The only thing she still had control of were her eyes.
For her treatment, an electrocardiograph (ECoG) was placed directly on her brain. The device is made up of four electrode strips measuring about four centimeters long. The woman had to undergo a surgical procedure to get the device installed. During the surgery, leads from the electrodes are hooked up to an amplifier and transmitter that’s placed below the left clavicle. To activate it, a separate device is placed on the chest, which then connects wirelessly to a transmitter to release data to a receiver.
The ECoG works by it detecting impulses usually associated with moving the patient’s right hand and proceeds to amplify and send those signals via a small device implanted in the chest. The receiver then turns the signal into data which is used to control a table computer placed in front of the patient. The woman then had to control the system by playing Pong and whack-a-mole on the tablet to train her brain. This allowed her to eventually perform a “brain click,” thinking about moving her right hand for a second.
Admittedly, the system is still pretty slow. Currently, it takes her roughly 20 seconds to select a letter from an on-screen keyboard. But the device is still in development; researchers are working to improve its functionality and add in more movements, like turning on a TV. The team’s next goal is making the tablet software better and giving it a wider range.At least the patient is pleased. Speaking with New Scientist, she mentioned how she’s happier and more confident that she has some of her independence back. Though there’s still a lot to work out with this device, it’s a great step forward for brain implants. With this initial run being so successful, there’s a chance they’ll be more present in the medical field in the near future.
The results and entire treatment of the patient is outlines in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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