Brain implant aims to give voice to those trapped in silence
NCT ID NCT07698496
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a fully wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) that aims to decode attempted speech in real time for people with locked-in syndrome (LIS), often caused by ALS or stroke. The implant records brain signals from areas controlling the mouth and throat, then translates them into spoken words via a speech synthesizer. Three adults with LIS will use the device at home, with the goal of producing at least 20 different intelligible speech items after a year of training.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- WIMAGINE intracranial epidural implant with speech synthesizer
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could give people with locked-in syndrome a practical, wireless way to speak in real time using only their brain signals.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study with only 3 participants. The implant requires brain surgery, which carries risks like infection or neurological complications. Speech decoding may not work well enough for daily use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Centre hospitalier Grenoble
Grenoble, 38000, France
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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Centre hospitalier Nimes
Nîmes, 30900, France
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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Centre hospitalier saint Etienne
Saint-Etienne, 42100, France
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Hôpital Raymond Poincaré Garches
Garches, 92380, France
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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