Photo source: Brain Computer Interface
How Brain-Computer Interface Changes Medicine
By Saanvi Mazumdar, Staff Writer
In the past 10 years, research on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) has been exploding and revolutionizing how we collaborate with machines. Walking with a robotic leg or typing with a robotic arm are no longer the material of science fiction – they are reality.
BCI translates electrical signals from the brain into digital commands that control an output device. Its systems rely on signals produced by the central nervous system. Since signals are complex, it takes time for the user and the BCI to synchronize. Users usually require training to produce brain signals that encode their exact intentions. BCI also needs to adapt to decoding and translating these signals into the correct output.
There are two main types of BCIs: invasive and non-invasive. A surgical procedure connects invasive BCIs to brain tissues. This risky technique is primarily used for patients recovering from critical conditions like paralysis or neuromuscular disorders.
Non-invasive BCIs do not require surgery; instead, users wear an external device, such as an EEG cap, with electrical sensors that receive brain signals. Unfortunately, this type of BCI has lower accuracy since it receives weaker signals. The skull and surrounding tissues act as barriers, distorting the electrical signals detected by external sensors.
Although BCIs are now used in various fields, including the military, gaming, and virtual reality, their impacts in medicine have been the most far-reaching. BCIs have restored mobility and motor functions in paralyzed patients by facilitating direct communication between brain signals and robotic prosthetics. Patients can use it for neurological rehabilitation to enhance motor function.
Similarly, BCIs are also helpful for non-verbal individuals. Devices allow communication through eye movement or translate brain signals directly into written text. Recently, researchers have been investigating the therapeutic potential of BCIs to treat psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, through neurofeedback strategies.
Despite the incredible technological advancements, there are still some drawbacks to BCIs that may make patients wary. The surgical procedures to install invasive BCIs remain high risk. Post-surgery complications may include infections, inflammation, or the patient’s body rejecting the electrodes. Moreover, the long-term effects of electrode implants in the brain are largely unknown due to their novelty. Non-surgical BCIs do not pose these threats, but struggle to process weaker signals.
BCIs are also expensive, restricting access to a select few. For example, non-invasive BCIs require an initial cost of $5000 – $ 10,000 USD and ongoing maintenance and support fees.
The need for privacy presents another concern. BCIs directly handle highly sensitive neural data that individuals should have control over. However, since BCIs heavily rely on computers, there is always the risk of hacking or data leaks, which can have serious consequences. Strict measures are needed to protect user data and privacy.
Groundbreaking technology, while fascinating, always comes with potential trouble. Despite current limitations, BCI’s ability to intercept our thoughts is opening up a new frontier of communication. However, it is hard to imagine more vulnerable information to which we can grant access.
