Electrocorticographically controlled brain–computer interfaces using motor and sensory imagery in patients with temporary subdural electrode implants

• DOI: 10.3171/jns.2007.106.3.495
• Publication Date: 2008-01-24T12:47:56Z
• Authors: Elizabeth A. Felton; J. Adam Wilson; Justin C. Williams; P. Charles Garell
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Brain Diseases; Imagery, Psychotherapy; Adolescent; Electroencephalography; Subdural Space; Middle Aged; 16. Peace & justice; Electrodes, Implanted; Communication Aids for Disabled; User-Computer Interface; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female

✓Brain–computer interface (BCI) technology can offer individuals with severe motor disabilities greater independence and a higher quality of life. The BCI systems take recorded brain signals and translate them into real-time actions, for improved communication, movement, or perception. Four patient participants with a clinical need for intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG) participated in this study. The participants were trained over multiple sessions to use motor and/or auditory imagery to modulate their brain signals in order to control the movement of a computer cursor. Participants with electrodes over motor and/or sensory areas were able to achieve cursor control over 2 to 7 days of training. These findings indicate that sensory and other brain areas not previously considered ideal for ECoG-based control can provide additional channels of control that may be useful for a motor BCI.