Brain Implant Lets Paralyzed Woman Speak Again

A 68-year-old woman from Michigan who had lost most of her ability to speak is now holding real-time conversations again, thanks to an experimental wireless brain implant developed by neurotechnology startup Paradromics. The company, founded in 2015 by CEO Matt Angle, announced this week that its device translated the patient’s brain activity into a computer-generated voice, allowing her to talk spontaneously — including during phone calls with her grandchildren.

How the Device Works

The implant, called Connexus, uses more than 400 electrodes to detect brain signals linked to intended speech. When the woman tried to talk, or even just imagined talking, the system wirelessly transmitted that neural activity to a computer, which displayed and spoke the words aloud. Unlike earlier brain-computer interfaces that required a physical cord connection, Connexus operates cord-free, a feature experts say brings the technology closer to everyday practical use.

The patient, who has primary lateral sclerosis, can still move some speech muscles, but her words are largely unintelligible to others. She became the first participant in Paradromics’ clinical trial after doctors implanted the device at University of Michigan Health in June.

Trial Expansion and Expert Reaction

Paradromics plans to expand the trial to 10 patients nationwide, including people with conditions like stroke and ALS that impair speech and movement, according to the company’s chief clinical officer, Dr. William Marks. In a demonstration video, the patient smiled and slowly attempted to speak; the system quickly rendered her words as, “Okay, I have a lot to say.”

Dr. Edward Chang, chairman of neurological surgery at UC San Francisco, who was not involved in the trial, called the demonstration a significant step toward restoring speech communication for people with severe paralysis.