Recruiting

Brain implant to help paralyzed people control devices

Plain-English translation of NCT07521930 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

The INTENT Neural Interface System is an experimental brain implant that records signals directly from the brain to help people with severe paralysis regain the ability to control computers, robotic arms, or other assistive devices. The implant also allows patients to receive sensory feedback—feeling touch or pressure—from the devices they're controlling. This early feasibility study will test whether the implant is safe and whether it actually works in a small group of people.

People with severe paralysis from spinal cord injuries, ALS, strokes, or muscular disorders often lose the ability to move their limbs and communicate. This trial exists to see if directly reading brain signals can bypass damaged nerves and muscles, giving these patients a new way to interact with the world and regain some independence.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have severe paralysis or weakness in both arms from a condition like spinal cord injury, ALS, brainstem stroke, or muscular dystrophy
your motor impairment has been stable for at least 12 months (if caused by stroke or spinal cord injury)
you are able to communicate reliably, either by speaking or eye movement
you have a caregiver or support system to help you throughout the study
you are able to travel to Johns Hopkins up to five days per week for study visits
you have been cleared for brain surgery by your doctor and study physicians

You likely don't qualify if…

you have serious psychiatric or cognitive problems that would prevent you from understanding the study or giving informed consent
you have other implanted medical devices that cannot be safely removed or that are incompatible with MRI scans
you cannot have an MRI scan or are expected to need one during the study
you have severe heart, lung, kidney, or metabolic problems that would make brain surgery too risky
you cannot see well enough to use a computer monitor even with corrective lenses

What participation looks like

If you qualify and enroll, you will undergo neurosurgery to have tiny electrodes implanted in the motor and sensory regions of your brain. After recovery, you will attend frequent study sessions—potentially up to five days per week—where researchers will test whether you can use the implant to control virtual or real devices, and whether you can perceive sensory feedback through the system. The study involves multiple visits for testing, training with the device, and ongoing monitoring of the implant's safety and performance.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland