Invasive Brain-Computer Interface for Communication: A Scoping Review
Shujhat Khan1, Leonie Kallis2, Harry Mee1,3
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK.
Brain Sciences
|May 1, 2025
Summary
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer new communication pathways for patients with neurological deficits. Direct speech decoding from the cortex shows promise for restoring communication in those with severe paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are expanding for patients with neurological deficits, offering alternatives when conventional rehabilitation is limited.
- Intracranial BCIs circumvent neural injuries, enabling communication and self-expression for patients with speech loss.
- Technological, neuroscience, and computing advancements have driven discoveries in BCIs over the last 10-15 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore advances in intracranial brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for restoring communication.
- To identify future directions for BCI technology in clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- A systematic scoping review of studies on intracranial BCIs for communication restoration.
- Searches conducted in PubMed and OVID Embase databases.
- Inclusion of 41 articles following systematic review and processing.
Main Results:
- Studies focused on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or brainstem stroke, leading to tetraplegia and speech difficulties.
- Intracortical devices have achieved accurate speech-to-text and speech-to-audio decoding in non-speaking patients.
- Cursor control via BCIs can be improved with interface optimization and advanced decoding methods.
Conclusions:
- BCIs have progressed significantly in restoring communication for patients with severe neurological impairments.
- Direct cortical speech decoding presents a novel therapeutic approach for restoring embodied communication in tetraplegic patients.
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