A Device Called NeuroLife Helps Paralyzed Man Perform Simple Tasks

Ian Burkhart, a 24-year-old quadriplegic from Dublin, Ohio was paralyzed in a diving accident six years ago. Today, he can perform simple tasks and move his hands because of a device called NeuroLife.

Science Daily reported that NeuroLife was discovered at Battelle, in partnership with the neuroscientists and physicians from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The doctors implanted a minute computer chip to Burkhart's motor cortex. This is the part of the brain that manipulates movement. He is the first person to utilize the NeuroLife.

According to Wall Street Journal, the device is like a "neural bypass." It picks up the brain signals and sends them to the computer that decodes them.

In a gist, the device works by allowing the user to imagine movements. For instance, Burkhart can look at a computer screen with a visual of a hand waving. By imagining the movement, his brain signals are transferred and decrypted and the electrical stimulation is transported to the muscles utilizing a sleeve implanted with electrodes that enfold around his arm.

Dr. Ali Rezai, a co-author of the study and a neurosurgeon at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center said that he and his team of researchers are showing for the first time that a quadriplegic patient can improve his hand movements and level of motor function. Patients such as Burkhart can now perform tasks such as picking up and holding a phone, picking up a spoon, grasping a bottle and pouring its contents and putting the bottle back down. He can also play the video game "Guitar Hero" and can even swipe a credit card.

Burkhart remains optimistic. He said that after his accident he felt that there would be improvements in medicine, science and technology that would enhance the quality of his life. His optimism has indeed paid off.