Comprehensive Summary
This study by Soufiane Jhilal et al. explores the various applications of invasive and noninvasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Rather than being a traditional research study, this article considers several factors in the medical implementation of BCIs for people with speech disabilities or facial paralysis. Even for more time-sensitive, severe cases such as ALS, Jhilal claims that learning to utilize BCIs non-invasively can be an excellent tool to facilitate communication. The most optimal candidates for invasive or noninvasive BCIs have stable or predictable disease progression as well as limited options for other modes of communication, as BCIs are still heavily researched and vary greatly between individuals. However, it is important to note that the individual’s cortical speech regions must remain intact, and the primary issue must lie in the motor pathway, which prohibits effective speech production. Despite current progress in BCIs, several factors require attention before widespread medical use.
Outcomes and Implications
Some of the future considerations Jhilal notes include: the optimal area required for the BCI to effectively work without causing significant damage to the brain, the implementation of motor functions such as facial expression or body language, and whether the individual with the interface must learn to effectively use AI or if AI should learn to better interpret what the individual demands. Another challenge to address before clinical use is that, because the brain is plastic, the BCI must be calibrated periodically to preserve accuracy. The ethical limitations of BCIs are even more complex, as issues such as revealing inner thoughts, connecting the brain to the internet, and contributing to health inequality require careful thought before commercialization. Finally, Jhilal concludes by addressing the societal shift from developing these technologies to asking the question, “Are we collectively prepared for this level of human-machine integration?”