Brain computer interface and electro stimulation of muscles to assist paralyzed patients in limited movement of hands

Abstract

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part of your body. It happens when something goes wrong with the way messages pass between the brain and muscles. This paper discusses the use of an Electroencephalogram (EEG) headset and an electro stimulation device to allow patients facing hand paralysis to regain limited functions of the hands. Electroencephalography is the use of electrodes placed on the surface of the scalp to detect subtle electrical activity in the brain. Electro stimulation involves the application of current to muscles to stimulate contractions in them. The proposed system aims at acquiring signals from the brain and using them to trigger the movements of the patient's hand. The functions involve that of grasp, release, lifting and dropping of the arm. These movements are based on the contraction and relaxation of the bicep and forearm muscles.