Mind over matter: brain implant lets paralyzed patients control computers
NCT ID NCT00912041
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests the safety and feasibility of the BrainGate2 system, a brain-computer interface. Tiny sensors are placed in the brain area that controls movement, allowing people with tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) to control a computer cursor or other assistive devices using their thoughts alone. Up to 27 participants with conditions like spinal cord injury or ALS will be enrolled, and the study focuses on safety and proof of concept.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- BrainGate2 neural interface system (implanted brain sensors connected to a computer)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a way for people with paralysis to control computers, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices using only their thoughts.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early feasibility study with only 27 participants. The device requires brain surgery, which carries risks like infection or bleeding. It may not work for everyone or lead to a widely available product.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 27 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Start date
-
May 2009
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2038
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 80 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other motor neuron disorders * Complete or incomplete tetraplegia (quadriplegia) * Must live within a three-hour drive of the Study site * (There are additional inclusion criteria) Exclusion Criteria: * Visual impairment such that extended viewing of a computer monitor would be difficult even with ordinary corrective lenses * Chronic oral or intravenous steroids or immunosuppressive therapy * Other serious disease or disorder that could seriously affect ability to participate in the study * (There are additional exclusion criteria)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
6 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Baylor College of Medicine
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
-
Emory University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
-
Providence VA Medical Center
RECRUITINGProvidence, Rhode Island, 02908, United States
-
Stanford University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94305, United States
-
University of California, Davis
RECRUITINGSacramento, California, 95817, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Serotonin precursor probed for spinal cord injury effects
- Breathing device tested to slow lung decline in ALS
- Can hospital codes reliably track home ventilation in ALS?
- Breathing brief Low-Oxygen bursts may boost sleep apnea treatment
- Pure oxygen tested as a switch for dormant nerves after spinal cord injury
- Spinal stimulation tested to help kids with spinal cord injuries sit taller