EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interface Project for Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 90 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | August 2007 |
| End Date: | December 2020 |
EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interface Project for Individuals With ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular condition characterized
by weakness, muscle wasting, fasciculations and increased reflexes. Depending on the site of
onset, individuals with ALS progressively lose control of their skeletal muscles; bulbar or
the extremities. As symptoms worsen and spread, muscle atrophy becomes apparent and upper
motor neuron symptoms such as spasticity complicate gait (in lower limb involvement) and
manual dexterity (in upper limb involvement). The patients progress to a state of profound
disability and have great difficulty in communicating; some may even be entirely "locked in"
to their bodies. The capacity for simple communication could greatly improve their quality
of life.
New technologies are giving people with disabilities alternate communication and control
options. One such instrument is the EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) which can
provide both communication and control functions to those who have lost muscle control. By
recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals or brain waves from the scalp and then
decoding them, the Wadsworth BCI allows people to make selections on a computer screen [i]
In this study we will be investigating the feasibility of using EEG-based Brain-Computer
Interface technology as a communication solution for individuals with ALS. The specific
question addressed will be: Can individuals with ALS use the BCI for communication when they
present with extreme loss of neuromuscular control and severe communication impairments? The
goal of the project is to determine whether this device is a practical and realistic means
for individuals with ALS to communicate. The study is intended to evaluate both the
complexity of the system and the degree to which each participant will be able to
communicate. Trials will consist of asking the subject to follow a series of simple
instructions and complete certain tasks while using the BCI.
This study design requires that the individual live in the Philadelphia region. Please
contact the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and State University
of New York at Albany directly if you reside outside of this area.
by weakness, muscle wasting, fasciculations and increased reflexes. Depending on the site of
onset, individuals with ALS progressively lose control of their skeletal muscles; bulbar or
the extremities. As symptoms worsen and spread, muscle atrophy becomes apparent and upper
motor neuron symptoms such as spasticity complicate gait (in lower limb involvement) and
manual dexterity (in upper limb involvement). The patients progress to a state of profound
disability and have great difficulty in communicating; some may even be entirely "locked in"
to their bodies. The capacity for simple communication could greatly improve their quality
of life.
New technologies are giving people with disabilities alternate communication and control
options. One such instrument is the EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) which can
provide both communication and control functions to those who have lost muscle control. By
recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals or brain waves from the scalp and then
decoding them, the Wadsworth BCI allows people to make selections on a computer screen [i]
In this study we will be investigating the feasibility of using EEG-based Brain-Computer
Interface technology as a communication solution for individuals with ALS. The specific
question addressed will be: Can individuals with ALS use the BCI for communication when they
present with extreme loss of neuromuscular control and severe communication impairments? The
goal of the project is to determine whether this device is a practical and realistic means
for individuals with ALS to communicate. The study is intended to evaluate both the
complexity of the system and the degree to which each participant will be able to
communicate. Trials will consist of asking the subject to follow a series of simple
instructions and complete certain tasks while using the BCI.
This study design requires that the individual live in the Philadelphia region. Please
contact the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and State University
of New York at Albany directly if you reside outside of this area.
This study design requires that the individual live in the Philadelphia region. Please
contact the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and State University
of New York at Albany directly if you reside outside of this area.
contact the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and State University
of New York at Albany directly if you reside outside of this area.
Inclusion Criteria:
Medical Subjects:
- Be able to give consent themselves or via a legally authorized representative.
- Diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease and have limited ability to communicate.
- Be able to see visual cues such as targets or letters presented on the screen, and/or
ability to hear auditory cues such as tones or words presented through speakers or
earphones.
- Be able to understand and remember instructions concerning participation.
Healthy control subjects:
- Be able to consent to give consent themselves or via a legally authorized
representative.
- Be able to see visual cues such as targets or letters presented on the screen, and/or
ability to hear auditory cues such as tones or words presented through speakers or
earphones.
- Be able to understand and remember instructions concerning participation.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals with cognitive impairments that would impact their ability to follow the
instructions
We found this trial at
1
site
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Principal Investigator: Terry Heiman-Patterson, MD
Phone: 215-762-5186
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