New BCI Technology Useful for Cerebral Palsy Patients

A new technology called “brain computer interface,” or BCI, could provide communication and control to millions of people who are paralyzed or have similar disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

BCI was developed by Austrian scientist Peter Brunner and two of his colleagues at the Wadsworth Center in Albany, New York. At a recent exhibition, the scientists demonstrated their new technology, which allows people to write words using only their minds.

“It may not sound very practical, but for someone who is paralyzed it can make all the difference in the world,” said Theresa Sellers, a co-researcher.

She cited as an example a 48-year-old neurobiologist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who uses the technology. “He writes grant proposals, sends e-mails, and can use the keyboard of a computer at home,” Sellers said.

Sellers is optimistic about the potential for BCI technology, saying it could help as many as 100 million people worldwide. This number includes 5 million victims of spinal cord injury as well as 16 million of children and adults with cerebral palsy.

Does your child or someone you know have cerebral palsy? Contact a cerebral palsy lawyer to learn about possible financial compensation that may be available to cover cerebral palsy treatment costs.