Brain–Machine Interface and Rehabilitation

Motor disability has been the primary focus of clinical and translational research in the brain–machine interface (BMI) technology that has the potential to improve the quality of life and restore function in patients with severe motor and neurological disabilities. BMI systems allow people to interact with their environment by linking different patterns of brain activity with specific tasks. Carbon nanotubes have received much interest with regard to their use in implantable electrical devices within the nervous system. The noninvasive approach to BMI technology relies on the recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals at the scalp. Clinically, EEG-based BMI devices are valuable because no surgical intervention is required for their use. Electrocorticogram (ECoG) arrays and other novel implants placed on the cortical surface have also been used to record evoked potentials and rhythms. The primary goal of the BMI is neural restoration, and in clinical medicine, the most common application of neural restoration is through the use of neuroprosthesis. The standard approach to improving motor function in stroke and brain-injured victims is through peripheral repetitive motion of the upper and lower limbs during physical and occupational therapy. With the technological advances, various neural prostheses use artificial devices to replace the function of impaired nervous systems or sensory organs. A challenging aspect is the currently technological limitation/design and the cost associated with newer and refined technological advancement.