ALS patient uses Neuralink brain implant to communicate with his thoughts

Imagine losing your ability to speak or move, yet still having so much to say. This was the reality for Brad G. Smith, who was diagnosed with ALS, a rare and progressive disease that affects the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement. But thanks to a groundbreaking Neuralink brain implant, Smith now has the ability to communicate with the world using only his thoughts.

Before receiving the Neuralink implant, Smith relied on eye-tracking technology to communicate. While this technology was impressive, it came with limitations. Smith shared that it worked best in dark rooms, making him feel like he was “stuck in a dark room.” Bright environments would disrupt the system, making communication slow and sometimes impossible. However, with the Neuralink implant, Smith is now able to go outside and ignore lighting changes.

The Neuralink Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is about as thick as five stacked coins and sits in Smith’s skull, connecting to the motor cortex of his brain. Tiny wires, thinner than human hair, extend into his brain, picking up signals from his neurons and transmitting them wirelessly to his MacBook Pro. The computer then decodes these signals, allowing Smith to move a cursor on the screen with his thoughts alone.

Learning to use the system took some trial and error. Initially, the team tried mapping Smith’s hand movements to the cursor, but it was not effective. They discovered that signals related to his tongue were the most effective for cursor movement, and clenching his jaw worked best for clicking. Smith explained that he does not actively think about his tongue, as his brain has quickly switched to subconscious control.

The Neuralink implant has given Smith new ways to interact with his family and the world. He can now play games like Mario Kart with his children and communicate more quickly. The system includes a virtual keyboard and shortcuts for common actions, making tasks like copying, pasting, and navigating web pages easier. Smith even worked with Neuralink engineers to develop a “parking spot” feature for the cursor, allowing him to watch a show or take a nap without worrying about the cursor.

To speed up communication, Smith uses Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, which helps him write responses and suggests witty replies. The AI chat app listens to conversations and generates options for Smith to respond, keeping him engaged in conversations.

Smith’s journey has been shaped by more than just technology. He credits his wife, Tiffany, as his best caregiver and acknowledges the support of his kids, friends, and family. Despite the challenges of ALS, Smith finds meaning and hope in his faith.

Neuralink’s technology is still in its early stages, but Smith’s experience is already making waves. The company recently received a breakthrough designation from the FDA for its brain implant device, with the hope of helping people with severe speech impairments caused by various neurological conditions.

Smith’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of technology to restore fundamental abilities. His journey shows how innovation and determination can bring light to even the darkest rooms. Behind every breakthrough, there are real people, real families, and real stories of hope. Would you consider a brain implant that lets you communicate with your thoughts? Let us know at CyberGuy.com/Contact.