On September 5, 2025, it was reported that two Canadian patients with spinal cord injuries have successfully received Neuralink brain implants, which enable them to control a computer merely with their thoughts. This marks the first clinical trial of Neuralink’s technology outside the United States, aiming to assess the safety and effectiveness of the wireless brain chip developed by Elon Musk, which was publicly introduced in 2020. The first implantation in the U.S. occurred in 2024, when it was successfully placed in a paralyzed American patient.
The two Canadian men, aged approximately 30, hail from Ontario and Alberta, respectively, and both experience limited or no hand function. Dr. Andres Lozano, a prominent neurosurgeon at the University Health Network, who led the surgical team at Toronto Western Hospital, stated that the patients were able to move a computer cursor almost immediately after their surgeries. The first patient underwent surgery on August 27, followed by the second on September 3, with both able to leave the hospital shortly after their procedures.
During the surgeries, electrodes were implanted in the motor areas of each patient’s brain, allowing for the capture of neuron signals. These signals are decoded to facilitate actions on external devices without physical movement. Dr. Lozano highlighted the rapid nature of the system, noting that the first patient could control the cursor using his thoughts within minutes. He emphasized that the technology’s ability to read signals and translate them into computerized movement is remarkably efficient.
While Neuralink is at the forefront of developing brain-computer interfaces (BCI), it is not the only player in the field. Other companies, such as Synchron based in New York, are also conducting clinical trials for similar technologies. Barry Munro, the Chief Development Officer of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization, who has lived with quadriplegia for 38 years, cautioned against jumping to conclusions regarding the technology. He described a past instance in which the first U.S. recipient experienced complications with the device, initially causing it to slip from the brain, but ultimately stabilized over time.
Munro advises a measured approach to expectations surrounding this technology, advocating for what he calls “educated hope.” He underscores the importance of maintaining realistic expectations about the timeline for such innovations in treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries.
The two Canadian patients will be monitored for a minimum of one year as part of this clinical trial, which has the potential to enroll up to four additional patients suffering from paralysis due to spinal cord injuries or conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The clinical research team aims to evaluate not only the safety of the Neuralink technology but also its overall value in enhancing the quality of life for patients. During this process, they will be vigilant for potential side effects, which may include seizures, infections, or strokes.
In the forthcoming weeks and months, the patients are expected to learn how to type on computers without the need for a physical keyboard, with preliminary reports indicating they are already able to engage in video gaming. Dr. Lozano described these early stages as a vital preliminary step toward assessing whether this technology should be scaled for broader application. He envisions a future where users might control a car, operate a wheelchair, or even drive a robot through mental commands, showcasing the vast potential of Neuralink's advancements in neuroscience and assistive technology.
