Using a brain-computer interface to help people with tetraplegia communicate

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance communication for individuals with tetraplegia by developing an intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI) that allows intuitive control of communication applications on tablet computers. Participants with conditions such as brainstem stroke or ALS will be equipped with the BrainGate Neural Interface System to interpret brain signals related to movement. The study focuses on translating these signals into actionable commands for communication, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected by severe motor impairments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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
* Prior enrollment in BrainGate2 clinical trial (NCT00912041)

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)

Where it's running

• Masssachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Leigh R Hochberg, MD, Ph.D. — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Leigh R Hochberg, MD, Ph.D
• Email: lhochberg@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-724-9247

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.