INTRECOM Clinical Study
UMC Utrecht is recruiting participants for the INTRECOM study — investigating a new way of communicating based on brain signals for people with severe paralysis.
About the Study
Every year, several thousand people in the Netherlands are affected by neuromuscular diseases that cause severe paralysis and communication difficulties. Existing communication aids based on muscle movements do not work equally well for all patients.
The INTRECOM study investigates a new approach: communicating through brain signals. A silicone mat with recording electrodes is surgically placed on the surface of the brain, capturing neural activity that is then translated into computer commands — enabling communication without requiring any muscle movement.
The study takes place at UMC Utrecht and has received approval from the Medical Research Ethics Committee. It aims to make brain-signal-based communication faster and more efficient, with the goal of enabling independent home use.
For patients with severe motor impairment, the loss of communication is devastating. Implantable BCIs hold tremendous significance in restoring interaction and independence.
Dr Mariska Vansteensel
Associate Professor & Clinical Lead, UMC Utrecht
Who Can Participate?
The study is looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 18 and 70 years
- Experiencing severe paralysis and speech problems caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative, or neuromuscular diseases (including ALS)
- Still able to communicate through alternative methods such as eye blinking
- Cognitively unimpaired
What Does Participation Involve?
The study lasts approximately one year, with the possibility of extension. Participation involves the following steps:
Screening
MRI scans and assessments to determine suitability for the study.
Surgical implant
A silicone mat with recording electrodes is placed on the surface of the brain during a surgical procedure.
Home-based training
Researchers visit regularly to train participants on the INTRECOM communication system in their own environment.
Ongoing measurements
Regular brain signal recordings and evaluations throughout the duration of the study.
Interested in Participating?
Recruitment is now open. For full details about the study, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit the UMC Utrecht recruitment page or contact the research team directly.
UMC Utrecht Brain Center · neuroprothese@umcutrecht.nl