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Motor neuron disease

Brain–computer interface unlocks the mind of a patient with ALS

Nature Reviews Neurology volume 13, page 6 (2017)Cite this article

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A fully implanted brain–computer interface (BCI) has provided a novel means of communication for a woman who was in a 'locked-in' state as a result of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As highlighted in a report in The New England Journal of Medicine, the portability of the new device enables it to be used in the home environment.

neuroscientists should seize opportunities to translate state-of-the-art knowledge ... to people in need

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References

  1. Vansteensel, M. J. et al. Fully implanted brain–computer interface in a locked-in patient with ALS. N. Engl. J. Med. http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1608085 (2016)

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  1. Heather Wood
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Chaudhary, U. et al. Brain–computer interfaces for communication and rehabilitation. Nat. Rev. Neurol. 12, 513–525 (2016)

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Wood, H. Brain–computer interface unlocks the mind of a patient with ALS. Nat Rev Neurol 13, 6 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2016.189

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