Brain-fed switch a world first
From: The Australian - 03/24/2007
By: Tracy Ong

An Australian-developed technology promises to give a degree of independence
back to the severely paralysed by allowing them to control equipment using
electrical impulses. 

The latest generation of the NeuroSwitch device is much smaller than
predecessors, and uses a simple computer program that detects electrical
impulses generated when the brain controls a muscle. It can be connected to
almost any assistive technology.  

Nicholas McLoughlin, 50, a former police officer who was diagnosed with the
nerve- wasting motor neurone disease in 2002, is believed to be the first
person in the world to be fitted with the new device outside trials. 

Three stick-on sensors attached to his forearm pick up electrical signals,
even though he only has slight movement remaining in his left ring finger. 

Apart from allowing him to operate his wheelchair, he can use the switch to
do things he has had to rely on wife Naomi to do, such as tipping his chair
back to prevent pressure sores, or stretching his legs. McLoughlin is in the
process of connecting the device to voice software which he will use to
communicate when the disease robs him of the ability to speak. 

Read the entire article at:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21433966-23289,00.html

Links:
Bypass physical disabilities with nerve-based signals
http://www.controlbionics.com/

NeuroSwitch System
http://www.controlbionics.com/neuroswitch_system.htm

Submitted by Jamie Prioli