Brain-computer interfacing based on cognitive control.
OBJECTIVE
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate deliberate intentions and associated changes in brain activity into action, thereby offering patients with severe paralysis an alternative means of communication with and control over their environment. Such systems are not available yet, partly due to the high performance standard that is required. A major challenge in the development of implantable BCIs is to identify cortical regions and related functions that an individual can reliably and consciously manipulate. Research predominantly focuses on the sensorimotor cortex, which can be activated by imagining motor actions. However, because this region may not provide an optimal solution to all patients, other neuronal networks need to be examined. Therefore, we investigated whether the cognitive control network can be used for BCI purposes. We also determined the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for noninvasive localization of the cognitive control network.


METHODS
Three patients with intractable epilepsy, who were temporarily implanted with subdural grid electrodes for diagnostic purposes, attempted to gain BCI control using the electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).


RESULTS
All subjects quickly gained accurate BCI control by modulation of gamma-power of the left DLPFC. Prelocalization of the relevant region was performed with fMRI and was confirmed using the ECoG signals obtained during mental calculation localizer tasks.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that the cognitive control network is a suitable source of signals for BCI applications. They also demonstrate the feasibility of translating understanding about cognitive networks derived from functional neuroimaging into clinical applications.
Section of Brain Function and Plasticity, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Mariska J
MJ
Vansteensel
Dora
D
Hermes
Erik J
EJ
Aarnoutse
Martin G
MG
Bleichner
Gerwin
G
Schalk
Peter C
PC
van Rijen
Frans S S
FS
Leijten
Nick F
NF
Ramsey
D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003201:Computers; D004566:Electrodes; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface
D010100:Oxygen