Brain-Computer Interfaces in Medicine

Mayo Clin Proc, 2012 · DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2011.12.008 · Published: March 1, 2012

Assistive Technology Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) acquire brain signals, analyze them, and translate them into commands that are relayed to output devices that carry out desired actions. BCIs do not use normal neuromuscular output pathways. 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. Brain-computer interface research is growing at an extremely rapid rate, as evidenced by the number of peer-reviewed publications in this ﬁeld over the past 10 years

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Healthy and disabled persons

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
A BCI system consists of 4 sequential components: (1) signal acquisition, (2) feature extraction, (3) feature translation, and (4) device output.
2
Noninvasive EEG-based BCIs are the most widely researched approach owing to the minimal risk involved and the relative convenience of conducting studies and recruiting participants.
3
At present, the striking achievements of BCI research and development remain conﬁned almost entirely to the research laboratory.

Research Summary

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) acquire brain signals, analyze them, and translate them into commands that are relayed to output devices that carry out desired actions. Brain-computer interfaces may eventually be used routinely to replace or restore useful function for people severely disabled by neuromuscular disorders and to augment natural motor outputs for pilots, surgeons, and other highly skilled professionals. The future of BCIs depends on progress in 3 critical areas: development of comfortable, convenient, and stable signal-acquisition hardware; BCI validation and dissemination; and proven BCI reliability and value for many different user populations.

Practical Implications

Restoration of Function

BCIs can potentially restore lost motor and communication abilities in individuals with severe neuromuscular disorders.

Rehabilitation Enhancement

BCIs can be integrated with rehabilitation therapies to improve motor relearning and functional recovery after stroke or other CNS injuries.

Augmentation of Performance

BCIs can augment the performance of surgeons, pilots, and other skilled professionals by providing direct brain control interfaces.

Study Limitations

1
Signal-acquisition hardware needs improvement in convenience, portability, safety, and environmental functionality.
2
BCI systems require validation in long-term studies of real-world use by people with severe disabilities.
3
Day-to-day reliability of BCI performance must be improved to approach the reliability of natural muscle-based function.

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