Patient Regains Feeling and Movement with AI-Powered Brain Implant

Keith Thomas, a resident of New York, experienced a car accident in 2020 which resulted in severe damage to his C4 and C5 vertebrae, causing complete paralysis from the chest down. However, there has been a recent breakthrough for Thomas as he regained voluntary movement in his arm and the ability to sense his sister’s touch, all thanks to the revolutionary AI brain implant technology created by Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine.

The research team initially spent months mapping his brain with MRI scans to determine the exact parts of his brain responsible for arm movements and the sense of touch in his hands. Then, four months ago, surgeons performed a 15-hour procedure to implant microchips in his brain — Thomas was even awake in some parts so he could tell them what sensations he felt in his hand as they examined parts of the organ.

Once the microchips are inside his body, the team also installed external ports on top of his head. These ports connect to a computer with artificial intelligence algorithms that the team developed to interpret his thoughts and turn them into action. Researchers call this approach “thought-based therapy” because it all starts with the patient’s intentions. For example, if he thinks he wants to move his arm, his brain implant sends signals to a computer that sends signals to electrode points in his spine and arm muscles to stimulate movement. They also attached sensors to his fingertips and palms to stimulate sensation.

This system allowed him to move his hands at will and feel his sister holding his hand in the lab. Although he had to be connected to a computer for these milestones, researchers say Thomas has shown signs of recovery even with the system turned off. Her arm strength has apparently “more than doubled” since the study began, and her arms and wrists could now feel new sensations. If all goes well, the team’s thought-based therapy can help him regain more touch and mobility.

While the approach has some work to do, the team behind it hopes it could change the lives of people with paralysis. Chad Bouton, technology developer and principal investigator of the clinical trial, said:

“This is the first time that a paralyzed person’s brain, body and spinal cord are connected electronically to restore permanent movement and sensation. When a research participant thinks about moving their arm or hand, we ‘supercharge’ their spinal cord and stimulate their brain and muscles to help rebuild connections, give sensory feedback and to promote recovery. This type of thought-based therapy is a game-changer. Our goal is to one day use this technology to enable paralyzed people to live fuller, more independent lives.”