Brain Trauma Research Paper

Since the start of the century, the use and advancements of computers in modern society has exploded. One such example is the medical field, where computers have rapidly become the norm, and continue to expand and solve new problems that previously plagued the field. Of the many problems facing the medical field this specific research will focus on paralysis of limbs and spinal cord injury resulting from brain trauma and these injuries can be improved with the introduction of computers and biotechnology related to a brain computer interface therapy.
“Brain computer interfaces (BCI) or brain machine interface (BMI) take signals acquired from the brain, analyzes, and then decodes the signals into commands that are transmitted to output devices …show more content…
E). Although wheelchairs have been an effective way of helping those who suffer from paraplegia get around and overcome their disability, it is not without its faults. “Overreliance on the wheelchair can lead to additional unwanted illnesses for the user, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and pressure ulcers” (King, C. E). Thus, it’s no surprise that alternatives to the wheelchair are being sought after. One such approach is the use of a BCI to try and facilitate walking and provide mobility like that of the wheelchair. Initial studies first tried to show that the use of BCI was feasible in the assistance of movement. Participants were first prepped for a virtual reality environment (VRE) by imaging themselves walk and stand idle (referred to as kinesthetic motor imageries, or KMI) at various time intervals in a BCI. Then, “participants would participate in the VRE in which they were tasked with walking and stopping at certain locations using KMI to move the virtual avatar” (King, C. E). Results of this test showed that “participants with SCI were capable of using a BCI to complete a task involving movement” (King, C. E). A further study was then performed in which a single participant suffering from SCI was trained to operate a BCI-FES (brain computer interface controlled functional electrical stimulation system) to help perform suspended and over ground walking. Results showed that the “participant was successfully able to perform the aforementioned tasks” (King, C. E). These two studies help to solidify the possibility that BCI could be used as an alternative to wheelchairs when it comes to helping with those suffering from SCI to regain