Book Description

The mind-to-movement system that allows a quadriplegic man to control a computer using only his thoughts is a scientific milestone. It was reached, in large part, through the brain gate system and has become a boon to the paralyzed. The Brain Gate System is based on Cyber kinetics platform technology to: · Sense, · Transmit, · Analyze and · Apply the Language of neurons. The principle of operation behind the Brain Gate System is that with intact brain function, brain signals are generated even though they are not sent to the arms, hands and legs. The signals are interpreted and translated into cursor movements, offering the user an alternate Brain Gate pathway to control a computer with thought, just as individuals who have the ability to move their hands use a mouse. The 'Brain Gate' contains tiny spikes, after being implanted beneath the skull, monitoring the activity from a small group of neurons. It will now be possible for a patient with spinal cord injury to produce brain signals that relay the intention of moving the paralyzed limbs, as signals to an implanted sensor, which is then output as electronic impulses which enable the user to operate mechanical devices with the help of a computer cursor. After taking part in a clinical trial of this system, the patient of spinal cord injury has opened e-mail, switched TV channels, turned on lights and moved a robotic hand from his wheelchair. This marks the first time that neural movement signals have been recorded and decoded in a human with spinal cord injury. An attempt has been made as usual in this Booklet to describe comprehensively, the Brain Gate Technology (being the first to allow a human to control his surrounding environment using his mind) and its benefaction to Humankind along with few illustrations for the enthusiastic medicos at one click! ……… Dr.H.K.Saboowala.M.B.(Bom) M.R.S.H.(London)