Synchron's longest-ever implant user shares his experience

After five years with a Synchron brain-computer interface (BCI) implanted in his brain, Rodney Gorham is still discovering its full potential. Originally installed to help him overcome locked-in syndrome, a condition that renders patients unable to move or communicate physically, the BCI has become an integral part of Gorham’s daily life. Gorham’s journey with Synchron began in 2018, when he was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome after suffering a spinal cord injury. The implant, which reads his brain signals and translates them into digital commands, allowed him to interact with the world beyond his physical limitations. With time and practice, Gorham learned to use the BCI to communicate with loved ones, control devices, and even drive a car. As he navigated this new world of high-tech communication, Gorham found that the BCI had also opened up possibilities for artistic expression. He began creating digital art using his brain signals, generating vibrant and dynamic pieces that were both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. Despite the challenges he faced along the way, Gorham remains optimistic about the potential of brain-computer interfaces like Synchron’s. “I feel more connected to the world than ever before,” he said in an interview. “The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to see where this technology will take us.” As Gorham continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with BCI technology, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for innovation to transform lives and challenge our perceptions of what it means to be human. Years after his initial implant, Gorham’s brain-computer interface remains an integral part of his daily life, allowing him to express himself in ways he never thought possible.