:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_59edd422c0c84a879bd37670ae4f538a/internal_photos/bs/2022/T/h/upwyXqRwA4cjz1p4uweQ/fokpyr4wqaijxcb.jpg "Researchers say a completely paralyzed patient can communicate with the help of a brain implant")
34-year-old man amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ELA) was able to communicate again with the help of a brain implant. An article published this week in Nature Magazine She stated that the patient was able to transmit messages only by imagining that he was moving his eyes. The study has been going on for more than two years.
ALS leads to the progressive degeneration of the brain cells that control movement. The patient has lost the ability to move towards his eyes and is completely unable to communicate. Scientists placed two sets of 64 microelectrodes on the surface of the human motor cortex (See the picture below).
With the implant in place, the patient learned to choose the individual letters that the computer spoke out aloud. Letter by letter, make up words and sentences. He thanked the team who were looking after him, ordering food and interacting with the family. One of the phrases was “I love my wonderful son.”
The researchers explained that transplantation is not a solution for all patients with ALS or other diseases. According to them, more work is still needed before the implant can be mass-produced and could help others.
The study, however, has caveats. The authors already had trouble with the German research institution in another study, due to a lack of detail and false data. Therefore, experts in this field recommend caution.
Brain transplant allowed an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient to communicate – Image: Disclosure/Wyss Center
Multiple sclerosis affects about two million people in the world and in Brazil more than 30,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health. This disease is an autoimmune disease and affects the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis can impair vision, speech, hearing, and movement.
Below, see a video from Journal Nacional about the participation of Brazilians in international research to detect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Brazil participates in international research to detect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The most common sclerosis among young people and women is considered a chronic disease, that is, there is no cure for it. The disease cannot be prevented, but there are several treatments and medications that allow the patient to lead a normal life. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are often not entirely clear because they are so variable. It usually affects the pathways of the nervous system.
Some of the “common” symptoms of multiple sclerosis are fatigue, loss of strength, muscle cramps, urinary incontinence, sexual problems, chronic pain and depression. MRI is critical for diagnosis.
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