Unlocking Erik: A Freedom Journey to Restore the Speech of Those with Locked-In Syndrome

This book depicts the trials and tribulations when trying to restore speech to Erik who was locked-in (paralyzed and mute) at age 16. We implanted electrodes into his brain, initiating a decade of breakthrough research in speech recovery. It lead to the author's own brain implant and the consequent successful offline development of the speech prosthetic whereby mute, locked-in people can speak. Part 1 is Erik's story of how he became locked-in following a brainstem stroke, and our efforts to break him out of his locked-in state by helping him speak. It describes my decision making, the tremendous contribution of his family, their anguish and the very relevant comparison with famous locked-in people, namely, Stephen Hawking and Jean-Dominique Bauby (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly). It also documents conversations between the author and Erik's Dad, Eddie. Eddie describes how he was trained in a rehabilitation hospital to take care of his son. His 16-year devotion to his son is unparalleled and heroic. Part 2 is a condensed and easy to follow version of the scientific aspects of this research. Part 2 also contains important contributions from other researchers in the field, in a question and answer format. Figures and videos on the website (www.neuralsignals.com) augment the text. Finally, there is a description of the documentary associated with this book written by the producer called 'Father of the Cyborgs'.