Brain–machine interfaces and transcranial stimulation: future implications for directing functional movement and improving function after spinal injury in humans

Handb Clin Neurol, 2012 · DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-444-52137-8.00027-9 · Published: January 1, 2012

Simple Explanation

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) aim to improve the quality of life for neurological patients, especially those with spinal cord injuries, by creating brain-controlled prostheses. BMIs translate thoughts into actions, allowing users to control artificial actuators, such as robots or wheelchairs, through direct interfaces between the brain and the device. Noninvasive techniques like TMS and tDCS modulate cortical excitability, potentially enhancing rehabilitation treatments after brain lesions such as stroke, by increasing or decreasing activity in target cortical areas.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MEG-based BMI systems can train ipsilesional brain areas after stroke that control movement, potentially facilitating cortical reorganization.
2
Continuous shared control (CSC) in BMIs, combining brain and sensor signals, significantly improves task performance compared to using only brain-derived signals.
3
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can induce lasting shifts of cortical excitability, with the duration and direction of these shifts dependent on stimulus parameters.

Research Summary

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) hold promise for restoring communication and sensorimotor function in patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. Decoding algorithms in BMIs may need to incorporate physiological knowledge of how motor signals are encoded in the brain to fully restore control of upper limb movements. Combining brain signals with robotic control through continuous shared control (CSC) shows potential for improving the accuracy and dexterity of neuroprosthetic devices.

Practical Implications

Neurorehabilitation

BMIs and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques such as TMS and tDCS can be integrated into neurorehabilitation programs to improve motor function and enhance training effects after brain lesions or spinal cord injuries.

Prosthetic Device Control

Developing more sophisticated decoding algorithms that incorporate physiological principles and shared control approaches can lead to more intuitive and effective control of prosthetic limbs and other assistive devices.

Understanding Brain Plasticity

BMIs provide a powerful tool for studying sensorimotor learning, cortical plasticity, and neural adaptation to environmental changes, contributing to a deeper understanding of brain function.

Study Limitations

1
Current BMIs have relatively low bandwidth, limiting the restoration of fine motor skills and hand dexterity.
2
Long-term stability of implanted microelectrode arrays remains a challenge due to scar tissue formation and electrode movement.
3
Ethical considerations regarding the use of invasive BMIs and brain stimulation techniques need careful consideration.

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