Optimal neuro|spine

Episode 5: Brain Computer Interface. A conversation with Dr. Jaimie Henderson

August 01, 2021 Maxwell Boakye, MD MPH Episode 5
Optimal neuro|spine
Episode 5: Brain Computer Interface. A conversation with Dr. Jaimie Henderson
Show Notes

Prosthetics are used to help patients recover the normal function of their limbs after injury. What if we applied the same principle to our brains? That's exactly the kind of research Dr. Jaimie Henderson is doing at Stanford University. Alongside his brilliant team, Dr. Henderson is using Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology to help patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries regain the ability to communicate. What’s even more fascinating is that their findings are turning what we know about neuroscience upside down! This is a can’t miss conversation with one of the world’s leading researchers in neural prosthetics. 


You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • The details of Dr. Henderson’s clinical practice [2:33]
  • What is brain computer interface (BCI) technology [3:31]
  • How Dr. Henderson got involved in neural prosthetic research [4:39] 
  • What is BrainGate? [8:04]
  • Using BCI to help patients with spinal injuries communicate [10:22]
  • Other projects Dr. Henderson and his team are working on [17:00] 
  • Dr. Henderson’s insights after over a decade in the neuroscientific field [19:26]
  • The logistics and risks of neural prosthetic research [21:08] 
  • The fundamental breakthrough that enabled the field of neural prosthetics to move forward [25:23]
  • Getting life-changing medical technology from the lab to the clinic [27:38]
  • Dr. Henderson’s advice for those looking to pursue a similar field of research [29:23]


Resources & People Mentioned


Connect with Guest Name


Connect With Maxwell Boakye


Subscribe to Optimal Neuro|Spine on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts