Scientists can read minds to communicate with paralyzed patients

The NIRS/EEG brain-computer interface system is worn by a model in Switzerland. [Photo courtesy Laurent Bouvier/Wyss Centre/Handout]An international research team has developed a way to read brain chemistry to enable communication in patients who are paralyzed and unable to talk. The brain-computer interface (BCI) reads the blood oxygen levels in the brain and deciphers the thoughts of the paralyzed patient. The system was tested with four patients with complete locked-in syndrome who couldn’t even move their eyes to communicate and had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons get transported through the body to the spinal cord and to muscles. When the motor neurons begin to degenerate and die, the brain loses the ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Approximately 20,000 Americans have ALS, with 15 new cases occurring daily, according to the ALS Association. Get the full story on our sister site, Medical Design & Outsourcing. The post Scientists can read minds to communicate with paralyzed patients appeared first on MassDevice.
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Equipment Authors: Tags: Neurological ALS brain-computer interface Source Type: news