Understanding and restoring sensation in the hand after neurological injuries
Decoding / encoding somatosensation from the hand area of the human primary somatosensory (S1) cortex for a closed-loop motor / sensory brain-machine interface (BMI)
This study is exploring how the brain processes feelings from the hand and aims to help people who have lost these sensations due to strokes or brain injuries by using special techniques to create a way for them to feel again, especially when using robotic arms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10867432 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain encodes sensations from the hand and aims to restore these sensations in individuals who have lost them due to neurological disorders like strokes or brain injuries. By using advanced techniques such as electrocorticography (ECoG) on patients with epilepsy, the study seeks to decode neural signals related to somatosensation and develop methods to provide sensory feedback through electrical stimulation. This approach could enhance the functionality of robotic limbs, making movements more natural and fluid for patients. The research involves a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive learning and application of neural modeling and medical device development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced neurological injuries, such as strokes or brain trauma, and have lost sensory function in their upper limbs.
Not a fit: Patients with intact sensory function or those who do not have neurological injuries may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients by restoring their ability to feel sensations in their hands, thereby enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neural signals for motor control, but the approach of restoring somatosensation through electrical stimulation is still being explored and is considered innovative.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Brian — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lee, Brian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.