By Antony Omutanyi
Mombasa, Kenya: Amidst the vibrant city streets of Mombasa, a beacon of hope and innovation stands tall: the Coast Neurology Centre (CNC). In the heart of downtown, this neurological sanctuary blends cutting-edge technology with compassionate care.
Here, pioneering scientists and doctors leverage brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to unravel the enigmatic complexities of the human brain. Intrigued by this harmonious fusion of technology and medicine, as a journalist, I embarked on a journey to investigate how cutting-edge tools in the realm of technology are transforming the landscape of neurological disorder diagnosis.
Walking into the clinic, I was immediately struck by the state-of-the-art equipment and the palpable sense of purpose. I was greeted by Mr. Joshua Maina, a scientist specializing in diagnostic neurotechnology, and Mr. Jared Okeno, a neurophysiologist with a deep expertise in BCIs. Their enthusiasm was infectious as they led me through the maze of rooms filled with sophisticated machines that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie.
“Brain-computer interfaces are revolutionizing our field,” Mr. Maina began with a smile. “They allow us to see and understand brain activity in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.” Mr. Okeno nodded in agreement.
Adding, “From diagnosing epilepsy with unprecedented accuracy to mapping brain function in Alzheimer’s patients, BCIs are changing the landscape of neurological care.”
As we delved into the intricacies of the technology, it became clear that BCIs are more than just diagnostic tools; they are a leeway into the very essence of our neural functions.
Through Electroencephalography (EEG), Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), these interfaces provide a comprehensive view of the brain’s electrical and metabolic activity, offering insights that are critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Computer Brain Interface as an empowering tool to the patients suffering from neurological disorders. The empowerment of the patients is done through many ways resulting in positive results.
Patients with motor neuron diseases, BCI is used to detect brain signals and translate them into text or speech through a communication device. This helps doctors to restore communication ability of the patient. For patients with stroke or spinal cord injuries are not left out either.
According to Mr. Maina, BCIs are used to control prosthetic limbs by interpreting brain signals associated with movements. He says that this helps the patient to perform daily activities hence regaining independence.
However, the accessibility of these BCIs technology poses a challenge to the community. Mr. Okeno says a good number of the patients within the coastal region cannot access the facility due to the cost that accompanies BCIs functions. Nonetheless efforts are underway to develop low-cost BCIs for use in low- and middle-income countries.
Mr. Okeno says that there are several efforts being undertaken by the Global Health Initiatives (GHI) to make sure that this dream is realized in counties that belong to the global south. On the other hand, Advocacy groups are working to ensure that BCI treatments are covered by health insurance.
An inclusive insurance coverage can make BCIs more affordable for patients by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Mr. Maina claimed that incorporation of AI with machine learning algorithms into BCI systems enhances their efficiency and accuracy hence reducing the cost of the hardware. This progress leads to cheaper and more effective BCIs.
