But your body doesn’t get your brain’s message. A range of health conditions can contribute to limited mobility. The ability to access personal computing devices could widen your world.

Diagram the challenge

When you intend to move your body, your brain’s command center sends a signal.

Click the plus signs to see a broken signal pathway

A brainstem stroke can cause a broken motor signal.

Healthy nerve cells transmit these brain signals to the body via the spinal cord.

Spinal cord injury can block motor signals.

Your body receives these signals and responds by moving your muscles.

ALS, among other nervous system disease, can affect the signal here.

This allows us to use our fingers on a touchscreen to do important daily tasks.

Rheumatoid arthritis or tremors may affect the signal here.

Learn more about how BCIs may restore autonomy for those who have experienced loss of movement.