An Electrocorticographic Brain Interface in an Individual with Tetraplegia

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology aims to help individuals with disability to control assistive devices and reanimate paralyzed limbs. ECoG signals were recorded with a high-density 32-electrode grid over the hand and arm area of the left sensorimotor cortex. The participant was able to voluntarily activate his sensorimotor cortex using attempted movements, with distinct cortical activity patterns for different segments of the upper limb. Using only brain activity, the participant achieved robust control of 3D cursor movement. The ECoG grid was explanted 28 days post-implantation with no adverse effect.

• 1
  The participant activated neuronal ensembles in the motor and somatosensory cortices with a coordinated spatiotemporal pattern during attempted movement.
• 2
  Spatially, the somatotopic organization was generally preserved, in agreement with previous fMRI studies in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.
• 3
  The participant was able to volitionally modulate sensorimotor cortical activity to achieve high-fidelity real-time BCI control of 2D and 3D cursor movement.