Biomedical Engineering Dept.

Control Engineering
Stage 4 – 1st Course
Medical Devices (‫)مسائي‬

" Brain-Computer Interfaces Using

Neurofeedback "

By:
Mustafa Mohammed Hadi
Medical devices -Evening-

Supervised By:
Dr.Alaa M. Al-Kaysi

2023 1445
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Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) function by capturing and analyzing brain
signals, subsequently converting them into commands directed towards output
devices that execute desired actions. Notably, BCIs deviate from conventional
neuromuscular output pathways. The primary objective of BCI technology is to
substitute or reinstate functional capabilities for individuals impaired by
neuromuscular conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy,
stroke, or spinal cord injury. Beyond initial demonstrations involving
electroencephalography-based spelling and single-neuron-controlled devices,
researchers have progressed to utilizing various brain signals, including
electroencephalographic, intracortical, and electrocorticographic signals. These
signals enable increasingly intricate control over cursors, robotic arms,
prostheses, wheelchairs, and other devices. BCIs also hold potential for aiding
rehabilitation following a stroke and addressing other related disorders.

Figure(1):
Block diagram of
a BCI system

Neurofeedback is a well-established concept that has captivated researchers for

numerous decades. It involves a method enabling individuals to consciously
regulate their brain waves. The process entails recording electroencephalography

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(EEG) during neurofeedback treatment, with subsequent extraction of its diverse
components. These components are then presented to individuals through an
online feedback loop, typically in the form of audio, video, or a combination
thereof. Consequently, electrophysiological elements are separately showcased.
For example, variations in a signal's power within a frequency band may be
visually represented using a dynamic bar graph. Throughout this process,
participants gain awareness of the evolving changes during training, enabling
them to evaluate their progress and strive for optimal performance. For instance,
individuals endeavor to enhance their brain patterns based on the alterations
perceived in sound or visuals. Neurofeedback treatment protocols primarily target
specific brainwave frequencies, including alpha, beta, delta, theta, and gamma,
However, the most prevalent protocols encompass alpha, beta, theta, and
alpha/theta ratio.

Figure(2): Brainwave frequencies

These brain wave frequencies represent:

Sleep, repair, complex problem solving, unawareness, deep-

unconsciousness.
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 Creativity, insight, deep states, unconsciousness, optimal meditative state,
depression, anxiety, distractibility.

Alertness and peacefulness, readiness, meditation, deeply-relaxed.

Thinking, focusing, sustained attention, tension, alertness, excitement.

Learning, cognitive processing, problem solving tasks, mental

sharpness, brain activity, organize the brain.

electrodes or sensors are surgically implanted within the skull

post-surgery to detect the electrical activities of brain cells. This method yields
high-quality output since the sensors are positioned in the grey matter. However,
there is a tendency for scar tissue to accumulate in the brain. Certain medical
conditions may cause the body to reject electrodes or sensors. Invasive BCI
proves beneficial in providing functionalities for individuals with paralysis. For
instance, patients with brain chip implants can manage artificial limbs, lighting
systems, televisions, or computer cursors.

involves the implantation of medical devices inside

the skull but outside the grey matter. This results in the generation of high-
resolution signals compared to non-invasive BCIs, with a lower risk of scar tissue
formation. Importantly, this technique eliminates the need for open brain surgery,
as devices can be inserted through the vascular system. The advantages of the
partially invasive BCI technique encompass low complexity, low clinical risk,
and superior long-term stability.

sensors are installed on or very close to the head to

measure brain signals. This technique does not require surgery and is
straightforward to implement on patients, commonly using EEGs and MEGs. The
benefits of non-invasive BCI include lower costs, greater portability, and ease of
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measurement. However, this technique has drawbacks, such as poor spatial
resolution due to signal dampening by the skull. The larger distance from the
brain makes it susceptible to noise, resulting in inferior signal resolution.

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Figure(3): Showcase of (1) Invasive BCI, (2) Partially

invasive BCI and (3) Non-invasive BCI

BCI mobility rehabilitation stands as a physical rehabilitation method applied to

individuals facing mobility challenges, aiming to restore lost functions and
recover previous levels of mobility or facilitate adaptation to acquired disabilities
this approach has proven beneficial for individuals with serious injuries or
conditions like strokes, allowing for full recovery in some cases. Stroke,
characterized by sudden brain cell death due to oxygen deprivation often caused
by blood flow obstruction, can result in various impairments, including speech

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loss, memory issues, or paralysis on one side of the body. Highlight the potential
reorganization of brain structures associated with stroke injuries and the
restoration of damaged motor functions through neuroplasticity. And for those
unable to regain previous levels of mobility or communication, BCI-based
prosthetic limbs, also known as neuroprosthetic devices, offer a solution to restore
normal functionality. Several reality-based approaches for BCI-based
rehabilitation training, including real, virtual, and augmented approaches, have
been presented. The real rehabilitation approach utilizes brain signals from
healthy individuals, decoding kinematic parameters to assist stroke patients in
modifying thinking behavior to resemble recorded signals and retraining healthy
brain areas. Another rehabilitation approach involves virtual reality, monitoring
and controlling avatar movement based on outgoing brain waves. Motor imagery
signals also play a role in neurofeedback systems for poststroke motor therapy.

Figure(4&5): Basic components of the BCI paradigm during

training, rehabilitation and controlling a prosthetic device
a device

Several systems for determining consciousness levels, along with related brain
studies, have been developed for the impact of smoking and alcohol on brain
waves. These studies are crucial for medical prevention due to the potential loss
of function and reduced alertness resulting from smoking and/or alcohol
consumption. Also in preventing traffic accidents as in driver-state monitoring

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and alertness system using a set of EEG power indicators. Especially for
individuals prone to motion sickness like drivers, Motion sickness, stemming
from conflicting sensory information sent from the body, inner ear, and eyes to
the brain, typically occurs during transportation. It poses a risk to traffic safety
by diminishing a person's ability to maintain self-control. And by examine EEG
signals from five different brain regions. Assessing human hearing levels, integral
to the sensory information gathering process, has been achieved through an
auditory evoked potential BCI-based system.

Figure(6): processing the signal path shown in red of malicious feedback

responsible for destructive behavior to prevent them.

The BCI systems mental state monitoring capabilities have significantly

contributed to the early identification and prognosis of various health issues.
These include abnormalities in brain structure, such as brain tumors, seizure
disorders like epilepsy, sleep disorders like narcolepsy, and conditions like brain
swelling, such as encephalitis. In cases of tumors resulting from uncontrolled cell
division, EEG can serve as a cost-effective alternative to MRI and CT-SCAN for
detection. Also dyslexia categorized as a brain disorder, can be diagnosed by
assessing brain behavior, Detecting dyslexia at an early stage is crucial for
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preventing self-esteem and self-confidence issues in children and enabling them
to develop fundamental skills and knowledge. BCI assistance is also used in the
detection of sleep disorders, where methods for utilizing EEG signals to identify
Idiopathic Rapid Eye-Movement (REM) which sometimes sleep behavior has
been identified as an early predictor for Parkinson’s disease. Finally the
correlation between the human gait cycle and EEG signals using a plantar
pressure measuring system. This correlation contributes to predicting diseases
such as dyskinesia, peripheral neuropathy, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Figure(7&8): Measurements of brain activity while doing imaginary

tasks to asses different brain functions.