The NeuroNode provides a new solution for those with ALS/MND, Cerebral Palsy and more.
Milford, Ohio, October 26, 2018 — Control Bionics’ NeuroNode, a revolutionary life-altering assistive technology product, is universally available for people with disabilities. Control Bionics released the NeuroNode in January of 2017 at the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) in Orlando, Florida. The NeuroNode is the most advanced, versatile, wireless communication and control device on market. As the company prepares for their new product release at this year’s conference, rest-assured – it will be life-changing!
The NeuroNode is a small, wireless, wearable device that detects the body’s electromyography (EMG) signals. EMG is a measurement of electrical activity associated with the activation of a muscle group detected by non-invasive, adhesive electrodes on the surface of the skin. The NeuroNode is an alternative and augmentative communication device that provides individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND), spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that result in paralysis and speech loss the opportunity to regain communication and independence.
The NeuroNode is being used to educate students with severe disabilities, to employ individuals with severe disabilities, and to rehabilitate patients after traumatic events. From VA hospitals in the Midwest to classrooms on the East Coast, the NeuroNode is proving to be a revolutionary, life-changing technology. “The NeuroNode is the most advanced technology I have ever seen to provide functional communication for people with Locked-In Syndrome and other communication challenges,” explains Mary Caitlin Smith, a speech-language pathologist based in Kansas, “I am beyond thrilled to hear that Medicare coverage is available. A total game changer for those who need this incredible technology.”
So, how does the NeuroNode work? EMG signals are generated in the body when an individual activates or attempts to activate, a particular muscle group. When you think about scrolling a mouse down the page or picking up a piece of paper – your body does not consciously move each and every muscle group; it’s immediate and automatic. You think of the intent – and your body responds. This is in thanks to those EMG signals, sent instantly from the brain to the various muscle groups throughout the body. The NeuroNode device sits on the surface of the skin, above a chosen muscle group, and reads your body’s EMG signals – turning those signals into a means of controlling a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
With the NeuroNode, users with paralysis and loss of speech can communicate with friends, family members, caregivers and their clinicians; send and receive text messages and control their environment. With Control Bionics Say-It NOW application, users can even interact with their in-home smart speaker systems entirely hands-and-voice-free. This gives NeuroNode users unprecedented access to this popular technology – whether it’s to communicate and alert loved ones in a home setting or to allow Google to settle a bet between friends on-the-go.
Funding for AT products can be difficult to obtain. Recently Medicare approved funding for the NeuroNode. “The process for obtaining funding for a speech generative device (SGD) that provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) like the NeuroNode can be incredibly overwhelming for individuals, family members, and health care providers,” explains Control Bionics CEO, Rob Wong. The Control Bionics funding team provides support throughout the process, helping those in need to navigate the path to obtaining durable medical equipment (DME). “We’re incredibly excited to announce this additional funding option. Our goal and mantra is ‘life-changing connections,’ and this new resource provides us with the ability to facilitate even more of those moments,” states Wong.
The founders of Control Bionics have been working with EMG technology for over two decades. The company’s goal is to become the world’s leading provider of EMGs wearable bionic devices. In the early 2000s, Control Bionics worked with the late Stephen Hawking to develop –what would become– their latest assistive EMG device. In April of this year, Control Bionics was awarded the prestigious Pitch@Palace Innovation Award ahead of 42 competing commonwealth nations. Organized by the Duke of York and held at St. James Place, London, this year’s theme was “Human Technology – Benefits for Humanity,” an endeavor that certainly rings true for those familiar with the NeuroNode technology.
For information regarding Control Bionics, the NeuroNode, or Say-It Now contact Emily Boland at 1-513-453-4848 or eaboland@controlbionics.com
