Brain-computer communication: unlocking the locked in.
With the increasing efficiency of life-support systems and better intensive care, more patients survive severe injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Many of these patients experience locked-in syndrome: The active mind is locked in a paralyzed body. Consequently, communication is extremely restricted or impossible. A muscle-independent communication channel overcomes this problem and is realized through a brain-computer interface, a direct connection between brain and computer. The number of technically elaborated brain-computer interfaces is in contrast with the number of systems used in the daily life of locked-in patients. It is hypothesized that a profound knowledge and consideration of psychological principles are necessary to make brain-computer interfaces feasible for locked-in patients.
Kübler
A
A
Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Germany. andrea.kuebler@uni-tuebingen.de
Kotchoubey
B
B
Kaiser
J
J
Wolpaw
J R
JR
Birbaumer
N
N
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014584:User-Computer Interface