There can be few things as frightening as being fully conscious but completely unable to communicate with the outside world, other than by blinking your eyes.
Patients with Locked-in syndrome have had few options when it comes to communication devices. Those that are available are typically custom-built and extremely expensive. As a result, most patients and their care-givers have had to rely on the painstaking and frustrating process of interpreting “eye-blinks”.
That’s all about to change.
Neuro Sky, a company that develops biosensors that integrate into mobile solutions and wearable devices, has developed a solution which will change the lives of these patients forever. The solution called Mindscribe makes use of a headset and a software application.
It works by interpreting the electrical activity of the brain, allowing the patient to translate that activity into three different modes: Say Yes or No. Express Excitement or Relaxation and Type Full Sentences.
Image Source: http://mindscribeals.com/
Not only is this technology use revolutionary, but it's surprisingly affordable. According to our source article on Tech Crunch the headset and software will retail at approximately $1,500 and the first devices are due to roll-out next month.( September 2016)
This company is on the MedED team’s list of ‘Must Watch’ companies.