Brain–Computer and Brain-to-Brain Interfaces for Communication

This chapter explores how a brain–computer interface (BCI) could allow some patients with locked-in syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or in the minimally conscious state to reliably communicate with others. BCI-mediated communication may enable these patients to clearly express their wishes when they cannot communicate because of motor impairment. Depending on their cognitive capacity for reasoning and decision-making, some patients could use a BCI to express their wishes about life-sustaining treatment and meet criteria of informed consent. Patients who could use a BCI to communicate could decide for themselves whether they want to continue or discontinue artificial nutrition and hydration, ventilation, or other life-sustaining interventions and act in their own best interests. The chapter also discusses how brain-to-brain interfaces may enable communication between brains and minds in a social network of collaborative problem-solving in visuomotor and cognitive tasks.