Brain-Computer Interface Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Stroke survivors and their families have had to cope with major obstacles, but Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology is being touted as an innovation that is a game changer. Traditional modes of rehabilitation offer only minimal help to the severely impaired; however, BCI technology provides a unique ray of hope by enabling direct communication between the brain and devices for therapy and interactive purposes. This means not only restoring movement skills or improving thinking and talking abilities but also transforming the way a person interacts with their surroundings after having a stroke. Despite this potentiality, there are several challenges that must be overcome before BCI technology can be effectively applied in clinics, like signal decoding complexity and universality & accessibility hunt. It seeks to delve into the possibilities of BCI in rehabilitation after stroke, focusing on motor recovery, cognitive and communication restoration as well as environmental interactions. These include demonstrations of innovative uses such as fNIRS-based BCIs for controlling prosthetic limbs, neurofeedback training for cognitive enhancements, and making better use of customizing BCIs to improve mobility and communication. However, it also addresses the obstacles faced in signal acquisition, interpretation, personalization, adaptation, and the training necessary for effective BCI utilization. In order to tackle these issues, forward-looking algorithms, machine learning hybrid BCI systems, and adaptive learning systems were discussed, which mark out how these obstacles will be overcome in this detailed review. The article underscores interdisciplinary collaboration in addition to user-centric designs, ethical considerations regarding access, and continued innovation, which all speak towards a future where BCI technology not only overcomes current limitations but makes rehabilitation different, giving new hope and skills among stroke survivors again.