What is the most important innovation in neurosurgical practice that will emerge in the next 10 years?

Abstract

Brain computer interfaces BCIs are automated neurostimulators that analyse brain signals and translate them into output. They aim to allow modulation of neurological functioning at cellular and network levels without the need for clinician-performed adjustments. BCIs are beginning to progress from the research and development phase to their introduction into clinical neurosurgery. Some anticipated applications include advanced treatment of cerebral palsy and stroke, aiming to restore function to these patients. In time, they will become one of the most significant innovations in neurosurgery.  Provided here is a review of BCI research to date and their implementation into clinical neuroscience, aiming to highlight the importance of BCIs as a developing treatment modality in neurosurgery in the next decade.   A review of the literature was performed using Pubmed as the primary database. BCI applications, recent technological advancements and current challenges facing these devices were reviewed. Trends in research and development were considered and are discussed.  It was found that significant developments have been made in manufacturing BCIs that can interpret cortical processes with adequate spatial and temporal resolution. It was shown that the number of procedures to implant neuromodulators taking place in the UK each year is increasing, with more funding provided for BCI research each year. Further to this, a review of publication data found that neuromodulation devices placed among the top new patent categories in neurosurgery in recent years, a large portion of which were BCIs. These results highlight the continually growing interest in BCI research and their application in neurosurgery.  In conclusion, BCIs will become an increasingly important area of innovation in neurosurgery.  Advances in translational neuroscience, imaging technologies and signal analysis will provide clearer insights into disease processes, allowing increasingly complex devices to address current limitations in the treatment of these conditions.