BrainGate2: Feasibility Study of an Intracortical Neural Interface System for Persons With Tetraplegia

Launched by LEIGH R. HOCHBERG, MD, PHD. · Jun 2, 2009

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BrainGate2 study is examining a new technology that allows people with limited movement, like those with tetraplegia (when all four limbs are paralyzed), to control a computer cursor and other devices just by thinking about it. This study aims to gather information about how safe this device is and if it works as intended. It's currently looking for participants aged 18 to 80 who have conditions like spinal cord injuries or certain muscle diseases, and they need to live within three hours of the study site.

If you or someone you know is eligible and decides to participate, you can expect to be part of a groundbreaking effort to improve communication and independence for those with severe movement limitations. Participants will have the opportunity to try out this innovative technology and help researchers learn more about its effectiveness. It's important to know that people with certain eye problems or other serious health issues might not be able to join the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Clinical diagnosis of spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other motor neuron disorders
• • Complete or incomplete tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
• • Must live within a three-hour drive of the Study site
• • (There are additional inclusion criteria)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Visual impairment such that extended viewing of a computer monitor would be difficult even with ordinary corrective lenses
• • Chronic oral or intravenous steroids or immunosuppressive therapy
• • Other serious disease or disorder that could seriously affect ability to participate in the study
• • (There are additional exclusion criteria)