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Neurology and Neurosurgery

  
Brain-Computer Interface Studies Woman in a library aisle
 

The Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology is recruiting participants for two upcoming clinical trials. Both studies will investigate brain-computed interface (BCI) systems for patients with movement and communication impairments. Dr. Nathan Crone, professor of neurology, will lead both trials.

  • Summit Study

    For patients between the ages of 22-75 with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic locked-in syndrome

  • CortiCom Study

    For patients between the ages of 22-70 who are affected by significant movement and/or communication impairments

Questions? Call us. (410) 955-6772

What is a brain-computer interface?

Diagram of brain-computer interface

A BCI allows individuals to operate a computer with their mind alone. Small electrodes on the surface of the brain carry signals to the computer, letting patients more easily communicate with family and friends.

For patients with significant motor impairment, a BCI system can potentially provide greater independence and quality of life. Both studies will involve surgical implantation of electrodes. After surgery, participants will learn how to operate the BCI.

Image Source: Fully Implanted Brain-Computer Interface in a Locked-In Patient with ALS. Vansteensel MJ, Pels EGM, Bleichner MG, Branco MP, Denison T, Freudenburg ZV, Gosselaar P, Leinders S, Ottens TH, Van Den Boom MA, Van Rijen PC, Aarnoutse EJ, Ramsey NF.N Engl J Med. 2016 Nov 24;375(21):2060-2066. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1608085. Epub 2016 Nov 12. PMID: 27959736

 

Study 1 Brain-Computer Interface Implant for Severe Communication Disability

The Summit study will test a specific BCI, the Medtronic Summit System, for patients with chronic locked-in syndrome, a disorder in which communication is impaired by severe paralysis. The goal of the study is to assess this particular BCI's ability to assist communication. To learn more about the Summit Study, call 410-955-6772.

Details

  • The Summit study will involve:
    • Surgery to implant electrodes on the brain surface and a wireless transmitter under the skin of the chest
    • Training and testing at home with the BCI for up to 4 hours each day, two days per week
  • The study will last one full year.

Eligibility

Participants should be:
  • Between the ages of 22 and 75
  • Previously diagnosed with chronic locked-in syndrome
    • Caused by permanent brainstem damage (stroke or trauma) or by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
    • Able to communicate reliably, but only with caregiver assistance
  • Willing to have brain surgery
  • Cleared by their doctor for participation
  • Able to travel to The Johns Hopkins Hospital several times a week
 

Study 2 Investigation on the Cortical Communication (CortiCom) System

Like the Summit Study above, this trial will also evaluate a specific BCI model. However, this study will test a different BCI, the CortiCom system. To learn more about the CortiCom Study, call 410-955-6772.

Details

  • The CortiCom Study will involve:
    • Surgery to implant an electrode grid to control the BCI
    • Training to operate the BCI three days a week at The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Participants will receive up to $3,000 in compensation.
  • The study will last six months.
Illustration of the corticom BCI system

The Cortical Communication (CortiCom) System's electrical grid connects to the rest of the computer system and its software. 

Eligibility

Participants should be:
  • Between the ages of 22 and 70
  • Affected by significant movement impairment due to spinal cord injury, stroke or neuromuscular disease, including locked-in syndrome
  • Willing to have brain surgery
  • Cleared by their doctor for participation
  • Able to travel to The Johns Hopkins Hospital several times a week

Related Links

Crone Lab
ClinicalTrials.gov: CortiCom
ClinicalTrials.gov: Summit
 
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