@article {2194, title = {Brain-computer interfacing based on cognitive control.}, journal = {Ann Neurol}, volume = {67}, year = {2010}, month = {06/2010}, pages = {809-16}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE:\ 

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate deliberate intentions and associated changes in brain activity into action, thereby offering patients with severe paralysis an alternative means of communication with and control over their environment. Such systems are not available yet, partly due to the high performance standard that is required. A major challenge in the development of implantable BCIs is to identify cortical regions and related functions that an individual can reliably and consciously manipulate. Research predominantly focuses on the sensorimotor cortex, which can be activated by imagining motor actions. However, because this region may not provide an optimal solution to all patients, other neuronal networks need to be examined. Therefore, we investigated whether the cognitive control network can be used for BCI purposes. We also determined the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for noninvasive localization of the cognitive control network.

METHODS:\ 

Three patients with intractable epilepsy, who were temporarily implanted with subdural grid electrodes for diagnostic purposes, attempted to gain BCI control using the electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

RESULTS:\ 

All subjects quickly gained accurate BCI control by modulation of gamma-power of the left DLPFC. Prelocalization of the relevant region was performed with fMRI and was confirmed using the ECoG signals obtained during mental calculation localizer tasks.

INTERPRETATION:\ 

The results indicate that the cognitive control network is a suitable source of signals for BCI applications. They also demonstrate the feasibility of translating understanding about cognitive networks derived from functional neuroimaging into clinical applications.

}, keywords = {Cognition, Computers, Electrodes, Electroencephalography, Epilepsy, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neuropsychological Tests, Oxygen, Prefrontal Cortex, Psychomotor Performance, Spectrum Analysis, Time Factors, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1531-8249}, doi = {10.1002/ana.21985}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20517943}, author = {Vansteensel, Mariska J and Hermes, Dora and Aarnoutse, Erik J and Bleichner, Martin G and Gerwin Schalk and van Rijen, Peter C and Leijten, Frans S S and Ramsey, Nick F} } @article {2188, title = {Unique cortical physiology associated with ipsilateral hand movements and neuroprosthetic implications.}, journal = {Stroke}, volume = {39}, year = {2008}, month = {12/2008}, pages = {3351-9}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:\ 

Brain computer interfaces\ (BCIs) offer little direct benefit to patients with hemispheric stroke because current platforms rely on signals derived from the contralateral motor cortex (the same region injured by the stroke). For BCIs to assist hemiparetic patients, the implant must use unaffected cortex ipsilateral to the affected limb. This requires the identification of distinct electrophysiological features from the motor cortex associated with ipsilateral hand movements.

METHODS:\ 

In this study we studied 6 patients undergoing temporary placement of intracranial electrode arrays. Electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals were recorded while the subjects engaged in specific ipsilateral or contralateral hand motor tasks. Spectral changes were identified with regards to frequency, location, and timing.

RESULTS:\ 

Ipsilateral hand movements were associated with electrophysiological changes that occur in lower frequency spectra, at distinct anatomic locations, and earlier than changes associated with contralateral hand movements. In a subset of 3 patients, features specific to ipsilateral and contralateral hand movements were used to control a cursor on a screen in real time. In ipsilateral derived control this was optimal with lower frequency spectra.

CONCLUSIONS:\ 

There are distinctive cortical electrophysiological features associated with ipsilateral movements which can be used for device control. These findings have implications for patients with hemispheric stroke because they offer a potential methodology for which a single hemisphere can be used to enhance the function of a stroke induced hemiparesis.

}, keywords = {Adolescent, Adult, Artificial Limbs, Bionics, Brain Mapping, Child, Dominance, Cerebral, Electroencephalography, Female, Hand, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Cortex, Movement, Paresis, Prosthesis Design, Psychomotor Performance, Stroke, User-Computer Interface, Volition}, issn = {1524-4628}, doi = {10.1161/STROKEAHA.108.518175}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18927456}, author = {Wisneski, Kimberly and Nicholas R Anderson and Gerwin Schalk and Smyth, Matt and Moran, D and Leuthardt, E C} }