Brain-computer interface technology is establishing direct communication between the brain and external devices, moving from science fiction to clinical reality and reshaping neurosurgery and neurorehabilitation. By decoding brain signals to restore motor, sensory, and language functions, BCIs offer new hope for individuals with paralysis, aphasia, and neurodegenerative diseases. The technology's impact extends beyond clinical applications to influence cognition, ethical governance, and national security, promising to transform human interaction with the world while advancing precision medicine.
A comprehensive review led by Professor Zhao Jizong of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, published in March 2025 in the Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, explores how BCI technologies are reshaping neurosurgical practices and redefining brain-related care. The study synthesizes advancements in invasive and non-invasive BCIs, clinical applications, and AI integration, revealing BCIs as both therapeutic tools and platforms for decoding cognition and enabling brain-directed interventions. The full review is available at https://dx.doi.org/10.12290/xhyxzz.2025-0152.
BCIs function by detecting neural signals and translating them into commands that control external devices, bypassing damaged pathways to restore function. These systems range from non-invasive headsets to fully implantable microelectrode arrays, each with varying precision and risks. Clinically, BCI devices have enabled paralyzed individuals to regain movement and aphasia patients to communicate through decoded speech intentions. Cutting-edge hardware, including graphene-based chips and flexible cortical films, enhances signal resolution while minimizing immune response.
In neurosurgery, BCIs have transformed intraoperative brain mapping, allowing real-time navigation that preserves critical cognitive and motor regions during tumor resections. Closed-loop systems show exceptional promise in managing Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, adjusting neural stimulation based on live brain activity. Emerging applications include using BCIs to detect consciousness in non-responsive patients, assist in psychiatric treatment, and potentially boost memory in Alzheimer's disease patients. As AI integration improves decoding speed and accuracy, BCIs are evolving from assistive devices into precision tools for intelligent brain modulation.
Professor Zhao Jizong, the study's corresponding author, stated that BCI technology represents one of the most exciting frontiers in neuroscience and clinical medicine. Its ability to restore lost functions and interface directly with the brain invites reconsideration of medicine, ethics, and human identity boundaries. Multidisciplinary collaboration and ethical frameworks will be critical for ensuring responsible and equitable technology deployment.
The horizon for BCI applications continues to expand rapidly. In clinical practice, they promise more personalized and effective treatments for stroke recovery, spinal cord injury, and neurodegeneration. Beyond hospitals, BCIs could redefine human-computer interaction, enabling cognition-based communication, virtual control, and mental augmentation. However, widespread deployment depends on overcoming technical hurdles like long-term device stability and regulatory approval, alongside societal concerns over mental privacy and equity. With continued innovation and cross-sector coordination, BCIs could soon transition from experimental trials to transformative tools in intelligent healthcare and neuro-enhancement.
