{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Longevity of a Brain-Computer Interface for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
{Author}: Vansteensel MJ;Leinders S;Branco MP;Crone NE;Denison T;Freudenburg ZV;Geukes SH;Gosselaar PH;Raemaekers M;Schippers A;Verberne M;Aarnoutse EJ;Ramsey NF;
{Journal}: N Engl J Med
{Volume}: 391
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: 2024 Aug 15
{Factor}: 176.079
{DOI}: 10.1056/NEJMoa2314598
{Abstract}: The durability of communication with the use of brain-computer interfaces in persons with progressive neurodegenerative disease has not been extensively examined. We report on 7 years of independent at-home use of an implanted brain-computer interface for communication by a person with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the inception of which was reported in 2016. The frequency of at-home use increased over time to compensate for gradual loss of control of an eye-gaze-tracking device, followed by a progressive decrease in use starting 6 years after implantation. At-home use ended when control of the brain-computer interface became unreliable. No signs of technical malfunction were found. Instead, the amplitude of neural signals declined, and computed tomographic imaging revealed progressive atrophy, which suggested that ALS-related neurodegeneration ultimately rendered the brain-computer interface ineffective after years of successful use, although alternative explanations are plausible. (Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224469.).