Rehabilitation with Brain-Computer Interface Systems

Biotechnology can give those with neuromuscular disorders a higher degree of self-sufficiency. Through a process that records brain signals and uses special software, an otherwise incapacitated patient can change the TV channel, turn lights on and off, and answer e-mail simply by concentrating on moving a cursor to the appropriate box on a screen. More recent experiments have expanded these possibilities to include neuroprosthetic control. By focusing on moving a specially programmed prosthetic device, a tetraplegic can grasp a glass of water and raise it to his lips or pick up any other graspable object simply by thinking about doing it.