Expand current BCI capabilities

The goal of the research is not only to prove that the basic functionality of this BCI is generalizable to other patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS), but also to expand current BCI capabilities through research along 3 avenues:

First: multidimensional item selection that allows patients to choose among multiple menu options. Second: cursor control that allows point-and-click use of a computer (similar to that of eye trackers for users with normal eye movements) and third: vocalization through a speech synthesizer. All of which would greatly enhance communication and quality of life. Patients who participate in this study do so for a year. After that they can continue to use the BCI system at home.

Moving towards clinical treatment for severe communication disorders

Patients with electrode grids implanted for unrelated diagnostic purposes (epilepsy surgery) will be included for the development of advanced decoding algorithms, utilizing clinical 256-channel recording systems. The study demonstrated the feasibility of providing LIS patients with an alternative means of communication, thereby moving the current state of the art in human neuroscience to the realm of clinical treatment for severe communication disorders.