{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Giving stroke patients a hand","description":"Brain-computer interfaces connect activity in the brain to an external device by means of a computer. Research has shown it\u2019s possible to use such interfaces to move robotic arms and perform other tasks. Almost 30 years ago, Washington University researcher Eric Leuthardt, MD, a professor of neurosurgery, demonstrated that he could hook electrodes to the brains of epilepsy patients who were waiting to have brain surgery, and those patients then could play video games just by thinking about moving things on a screen. Over the years, Leuthardt\u2019s team has learned to detect similar brain signals noninvasively. He co-founded the Washington University startup company Neurolutions Inc. to develop a brain-computer interface to help stroke patients recover function in their hands and arms. In this episode, we learn about that device, known as the IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System. The IpsiHand involves a sort of cap that picks up brain signals from a stroke patient and transmits the signals to an exoskeleton fitted over the patient\u2019s paralyzed hand. While wearing the system, patients think about moving the affected hand, and the IpsiHand translates that intention into actual hand movement. Over time, the patient\u2019s brain slowly learns how to move the hand by itself. In addition to Leuthardt, we\u2019ll also speak to a man who helped test an early version of the device years after a stroke left him unable to use his right hand. After working with the IpsiHand, the stroke patient, Mark Forrest, regained enough use of his right hand that he was able to build himself a boat. We\u2019ll ride on that boat with him as he catches some fish and discusses his recovery. The podcast, \u201cShow Me the Science,\u201d is produced by the Office of Medical Public Affairs at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. ","author_name":"Show Me the Science","author_url":"https:\/\/medicine.wustl.edu\/news\/show-me-the-science-podcast\/","html":"