A Sensorimotor Microelectrode Brain-Machine Interface

STUDY BASICS

Do you have little or no ability to use your hands due to a cervical spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, or spinal stroke? Are you aged 22-70? If so, you may be eligible to take part in a research study involving brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. BMI technology uses signals recorded from the brain to control devices such as a computer or a robotic limb. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

After a spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, or spinal stroke, many people experience paralysis and are unable to use or feel their hands. Although devices exist to help people with paralysis perform activities of daily living, currently available technologies can be unreliable and difficult to use. 

 

The purpose of this study is to learn more about a brain-machine interface (BMI) technology that may allow a person with paralysis to use brain activity to control an external device, such as a robotic arm, and receive sensory feedback. The BMI technology in this study includes temporary sensors implanted in the parts of the brain that control movement and sensation, and training to generate brain activity that can be interpreted by a computer and translated into movement. Researchers hope their findings will support the development of a fully implantable BMI system with motor and sensory capabilities in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 22-70 
• Have limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury, or brainstem stroke, or spinal stroke
• Communicate in English
• Live within 2 hours of the University of Pittsburgh or are willing to travel to the University of Pittsburgh for BrainMachine Interface (BMI) training (housing may be provided)
• Able to view a computer monitor (glasses are OK)
• Do not have any other type of implantable device, such as a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, cochlear implant, or deep brain stimulator 
• No family or personal history of seizure disorder
• Not pregnant and not planning to become pregnant in the next 25 months

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation lasts up to 25 months. As part of this study, participants will undergo two inpatient neurosurgical procedures approximately one year apart to implant and remove the sensors in the brain. While the sensors are implanted, the research team will conduct BrainMachine Interface training sessions up to 5 days per week.  Other tests and procedures during the course of the study include questionnaires and evaluations, physical exams, blood draws, electroencephalography, and MRI scans.