A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a computer-based system that acquires brain signals, analyzes them and translates them into commands that are relayed to an output devise to carry out a desired action.  

The BCI clinic at U-M Health is one of the first BCI clinics established in the nation. We have longstanding experience in implanting neural interfaces for a variety of disorders and research expertise in brain-computer interfaces.

Patients with motor and speech disabilities and patients with post-stroke hemiparesis are the primary patient population for FDA-approved therapy (vagus nerve stimulator). 

Other conditions targeted for clinical trials include:

• Tetraplegia/tetra paresis
• Locked-in syndrome
• Spinal cord injury
• ALS
• Brainstem stroke
• Progressive muscle atrophy
• Adult-onset spinal muscle atrophy
• Muscle dystrophy

To make an appointment with the U-M Health Brain-Computer Interface Clinic, call 866-909-4449.

Patients in the BCI Clinic will receive a comprehensive evaluation which may lead to:

• Placement of the vagus nerve stimulator for rehabilitation from post-stroke weakness
• Information about potential clinical trials
• Connecting patients with clinical trials when appropriate

The Willsey Laboratory for Brain-Computer Interfaces, led by Dr. Matt Willsey, advances research into implantable brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) as therapies for individuals with severe speech and motor disabilities. The team develops innovative decoding algorithms and multi-effector control strategies to enable precise fine motor movements and digital interactions, accounting for neural instability. By integrating computational neuroscience, the lab also explores new BCI applications and deepens our understanding of motor control.