Stroke BCI

Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system used for rehabilitation by patients who have suffered from strokes (whether minor or chronic) by directly translating brain signals into actions. An electroencephalograph (EEG) is a device that is made up of electrodes that is attached to the scalp and reads brain signals. "Mama Teresa", our lab manager compares an EEG to a 1970s swimming cap that is attached to a computer with tons of wires sticking out of it.

Our brains contain millions of neurons that are at work all the time and communication through small electric signals. When one has suffered from a stroke or another disease that can break the communication between the brain (neurons) and the muscles leading to impairments, such as speech or upper body movement. However, the brain can still generate those activities for the movements and with the help of a BCI can use that activity to control devices that would help with speech or movement.

The stroke BCI study consists of two different groups, one group who has suffered from a major stroke and has paralysis of the upper body and arms. The other group is a control group who can not have any stroke like symptoms, no high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes. These two groups go through intensive visits that last up to 5 months for the group who has suffered from a stroke and an intensive 3 week session for the control group.