Brain Computer Interface—Its Possible Clinical Applications

Neuralink has successfully implanted its brain-computer interface in a human. The procedure marks a significant milestone in the history of neurosciences. The telepathy unit is roughly coin-sized, though much thicker, and fits inside a hole bored in a patient’s calvarium. It carries a processor that oversees the communications with the brain and the outside world. It communicates and charges wirelessly. The goal of the study is to assess the functionality of its wireless brain-computer interface for those with movement impairments or paralysis of all four limbs to control devices with their thoughts. If successfully pursued the technology has potential where an active brain can perform function by bypassing a diseased body or treat cases of certain brain diseases like motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression, blindness, deafness, and chronic pain. An extended use could be a neural interface to amplify inherent human abilities like memory and concentration. Brain implant research has raised many questions, including whether (and where) humanity should draw the line in our integration with technology. There are issues of privacy, patient safety, and discrimination.