Use of brain computer interfaces in neurological rehabilitation.

Brain computer interfaces (BCI) enable users to transform their thoughts into actions without involving voluntary motor movement. This relatively new user interface technology not only offers those with severe neuromotor disabilities a new means to interact with the environment, but can also provide...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 523 - 529
Main Authors: Chee Siang Ang, Sakel, Mohamed, Pepper, Matthew, Phillips, Malcolm
Format: pictorial tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Mark Allen Holdings Limited Jun2011
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Brain computer interfaces (BCI) enable users to transform their thoughts into actions without involving voluntary motor movement. This relatively new user interface technology not only offers those with severe neuromotor disabilities a new means to interact with the environment, but can also provides effective and engaging rehabilitation to restore motor or cognitive functions that have been impaired due to disease or trauma. This article summarizes the use of BCI in neurorehabilitation settings based on a review of relevant literature. It also identifies the challenges of BCI and provides recommendations for practical use and future directions for research. BCI could be a promising tool to assist patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation by providing access to environmental control and communication, as well as neurofeedback rehabilitation.