Mass. General study gives quadriplegics mind-controlled limbs

TAUNTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A Taunton woman who is a quadriplegic is defying the odds thanks to doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Research being done at Mass. General gave Cathy Hutchinson the ability to serve herself a drink for the first time in 15 years.

Cathy is a part of a clinical study made up of doctors, scientists, and engineers from Mass. General, Brown University, and the Providence V.A. Medical Center. Since 2004, they've been working on developing the technology to help people with brain injuries regain independence.

The technology they've come up with allows people like Cathy to move things with their minds. This is made possible with the use of a neuro sensor about the size of a baby aspirin. One end of it attaches to the top of the brain, while the other attaches to a computer.

Cathy suffered a stroke 15 years ago and cannot speak. The computer also does talking for her. She types the words she wants to say using her eyes.

Researchers hope this is just the beginning of the groundbreaking technology.

To learn more visit: braingate2.org

Cox Media Group