From Thought to Touch: Brain Chips Ignite Movement and Sensation in Paralyzed Man
In March of 2023, researchers successfully implanted microchips into the brain of a man who had been paralyzed from the chest-down due to a diving accident, and he has regained sensation and movement in his hand and arm.
A “double neural bypass” used AI to create an electronic bridge enabling brain-body communication. This approach is thought-driven, meaning that when the patient thinks about moving his arm or hand, his brain and muscles are stimulated to help rebuild motor connections, provide sensory feedback, and promote recovery.
Mapping the Mind to Muscle: Unprecedented Surgery Paves the Way for Future Paralysis Treatment
Researchers and clinicians spent months mapping his brain so they could determine exactly what parts of his brain were responsible for arm movement and for the sensation of touch in his hand. With that information, surgeons performed a very long surgery; during parts of it, the patient was awake and able to give surgeons real-time feedback. As they probed sections of his brain, he would tell them what sensations he was feeling in his hands. The surgeons then inserted two chips into the area responsible for movement and three chips in the areas responsible for touch and feeling in the fingers.
Beyond the Lab: Hopeful Steps Toward Restoring Millions to Life Beyond Paralysis
Once he recovered, he could connect to a computer that uses AI to read, interpret and translate his thoughts into action. It started with him doing something like thinking about squeezing his hand, which then sent electrical signals from his brain to the computer. The computer then sent signals to electrode patches placed over his spine and forearm to stimulate movement. This patient has begun to see some natural recovery from his injuries; in the lab, he can now move his arms at will and feel the sensation of touch. Over 100,000,000 people worldwide live with some form of movement impairment or paralysis. This trial could restore lasting physical movement and re-establish the sense of touch. If success continues, it would be a “game changer” for those who are paralyzed, as well as their caregivers and loved ones.
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