First ever FDA-approved brain-computer interface targets stroke rehab

A novel device designed to help stroke patients recover wrist and hand function has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Called IpsiHand, the system is the first brain-computer interface (BCI) device to ever receive FDA market approval. The IpsiHand device consists of two separate parts – a wireless exoskeleton that is positioned over the wrist, and a small headpiece that records brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes. The system is based on a discovery made by Eric Leuthardt and colleagues at the Washington University School of Medicine over a decade ago. It is well known that each side of the brain controls movement on the opposite side of the body, so if a stroke damages motor function on the right side of the brain movement on a person's left side will be affected.