Patients with Locked-In Syndrome have been given a new sense of freedom with the first ever wearable continuous communication device.
The EyeControl is a groundbreaking device which has been launched in the UK and enables people with Locked-In Syndrome to communicate with their loved ones and carers in a simple, intuitive and innovative way.
Locked-In Syndrome is a condition where a patient still has full cognitive ability but is unable to move or speak, making communication near impossible.
This neurological condition is rare and results in complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for ones that control eye movements, meaning communication is possible through eye movements or blinking.
Conditions that can lead to the state of being locked-in include ALS and other motor neuron diseases (MND), stroke and traumatic brain injury.
How does the EyeControl device work?
This device is the world’s first AI-powered, wearable eye tracking device that enables 24/7 immediate communication, both for emergency and social purposes, something that previous solutions have not addressed.
Or Retzkin, CEO of EyeControl says: “What makes the EyeControl unique is that it has the ability to provide the user with independently controlled communication. We aim to create a simple to use and competitively priced device to give a voice back to the voiceless.
“The EyeControl introduces a new reality of accessibility for locked-in individuals to communicate with their friends, family, and carers, transforming everyday tasks for both users and their carers.
“Individuals are now able to communicate immediately upon waking, while in the bathroom, indoors, outdoors and even while travelling – situations that alternative devices have not been able to accommodate. We hope to inspire a new sense of independence for these individuals.”
Improving ALS sufferer’s futures
EyeControl has launched a crowdfunding campaign which aims to sponsor devices for individuals with ALS in the UK. The company will match all support from the public to ensure that as many people as possible are gifted an EyeControl device, while ensuring it costs the patients nothing.
Retzkin concludes: “We are excited to be working with local communities across the UK and with local professional organisations who are nominating members of their community to receive a device. We also hope to raise awareness of the importance of giving these patients the independence they gain through communication devices.”
Six people per day are diagnosed with MND in the UK and up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time.
This technology sounds amazing, I am a PA for a man with an acquired brain injury who cannot speak or move . It would be fantastic to give him a voice he’s gone through so much already and I hope one day for him to be able to communicate with us
I would love to know how I could get this product for my brother. He suffered a stroke a year ago and is no longer able to walk, talk or move. We, his family would love to communicate with him and give him the freedom to communicate. Please let me know how we can make this happen.
We have just been told our 35 year old son is locked in after suffering a massive stroke,we are devastated. Being able to communicate with him would mean the world to us and we know it distresses him not being able to communicate with us please please help us.
Hello Dawn sorry to hear of your sons stroke I am trying to force more information on the s products for a lady who collapsed on Christmas day 2 years ago and suffered locked in syndrome as a result. like the other people who have left comments i am deeply disappointed that nobody has reached out to us.I live in Omag h N Ireland. I have tried to reach out to tech companies with limited response. my email address is tom.mcgeown @hotmail.co.uk. I have been thinking of asking my MP to get involved perhaps we could bat some ideas around. I am very anxious and distressed at time wasted trying to get into on this ground breaking technology sincerely Tom mc Geown
Hi,
Please inform on how to get this product in United States? Young lady paralysed after brain stroke and locked in syndrome now, only eyes blinks.
Thanks for your support!
I would love to get more information on how to get this device for my husband he suffered and epileptic attack and went into cardiac arrest. He is bed bound and Im always trying to see how I can make his life more bearable.
Hi I am a practicing Speech Language Pathologist working in the Home Health setting. I currently have a patient that I am working with who suffers from Locked in Syndrome and I was wondering if there were any current studies I could get him into. Also, I was hoping I could I get him set up with an appointment to see what products he would benefit from. Please Let me know if you have any further questions, I would like to get this patient set up with a device ASAP. Thank you so much for your time!