Brain-Computer Interfaces and Diagnosis

Abstract

Recent electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies showed the possibility to detect command-specific changes in electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals independent of any motor pathway. These techniques could help in the improvement of the diagnosis in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC; often suffering severe motor disabilities), providing motor-independent evidence of command following and even, in some cases, permitting communication. We here review the first results obtained by BCI-like applications in patients with DOC and discuss the challenges facing BCI research. One application which has been rarely thought for BCI is the use of these systems as diagnosis tools. Indeed, a BCI may help to detect signs of consciousness and communication in patients lacking the ability to move or speak. In this chapter, we will present the first applications of BCI approaches to detect signs of consciousness in patients with DOC. We will then highlight the main challenges that will need to be overcome in future research and some clues from studies in healthy controls and patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS).