From the Guidelines
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is essentially a system that enables direct communication between the brain and external devices, leveraging neural activity to control machines without physical movement, as part of the broader field of neural interfaces that are increasingly supporting the treatment of various neurological disorders 1.
Key Components and Functionality
- BCIs operate by detecting neural activity through methods like electroencephalography (EEG), electrocorticography (ECoG), or invasive microelectrode arrays.
- These systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to interpret neural patterns, converting them into commands that can operate devices.
- The primary goal of BCIs is to assist individuals with paralysis, locked-in syndrome, or other motor disabilities, enhancing their ability to communicate and interact with their environment.
Current State and Future Directions
- The development of BCIs is closely related to advancements in neurotechnologies, including soft bioelectronic interfaces that are minimally invasive, biointegrated, and inexpensive 1.
- As highlighted in recent guidelines, the future of neural interfaces, including BCIs, depends on gathering quantitative knowledge on their performance in vivo and understanding their interaction with host biology 1.
- Ongoing research aims to make BCIs more accurate, less invasive, and widely accessible for both therapeutic applications and potential human capability enhancements.
Clinical and Therapeutic Implications
- BCIs have the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders, contributing to personalized neuroprosthetic medicine 1.
- The integration of BCIs into healthcare practice will require systematic characterization protocols and adequate mechanistic models to predict the performance of soft bioelectronic interfaces in the body 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) acquire brain signals, analyze them, and translate them into commands that are relayed to output devices to carry out desired actions 2.
- The main goal of BCI is to replace or restore useful function to people disabled by neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury 2.
- BCIs may also prove useful for rehabilitation after stroke and for other disorders, and might augment the performance of surgeons or other medical professionals in the future 2.
Types and Applications of Brain-Computer Interfaces
- BCIs can use various brain signals, including electroencephalographic, intracortical, electrocorticographic, and other signals, for control of cursors, robotic arms, prostheses, wheelchairs, and other devices 2.
- BCIs have been proposed as a channel of communication and control for ALS patients, and have been tested in several studies with varying degrees of success 3, 4, 5.
- Noninvasive and invasive BCI-based verbal communication can have an impact on the quality of life of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the locked-in state (LIS) and the completely locked-in state (CLIS) 6.
Challenges and Future Directions
- BCIs need signal-acquisition hardware that is convenient, portable, safe, and able to function in all environments, and require validation in long-term studies of real-world use by people with severe disabilities 2.
- The day-to-day and moment-to-moment reliability of BCI performance must be improved to approach the reliability of natural muscle-based function 2.
- Methodological issues among studies on BCIs should be addressed, and new well-powered studies should be conducted to confirm BCI effectiveness for ALS patients and other forms of severe paralysis 4, 6.