title: A decision tree for brain-computer interface devices.
abstract: This paper is a first attempt to present a "decision tree" to assist in choosing a brain-computer interface device for patients who are nearly or completely "locked-in" (cognitively intact but unable to move or communicate.) The first step is to assess any remaining function. There are six inflexion points in the decision-making process. These depend on the functional status of the patient: 1) some residual movement; 2) no movement, but some residual electromyographic (EMG) activity; 3) fully locked-in with no EMG activity or movements but with conjugate eye movements; 4) same as 3 but with disconjugate eye movements; 5) same as 4 but with inadequate assistance from the available EEG-based systems; 6) same as 5 and accepting of an invasive system.
authors.affiliation: Neural Signals, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30318, USA. pkennedy@neuralsignals.com
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D003663:Decision Trees; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface