Elon Musk's Neuralink Implant Restores Movement in Paralyzed Veteran During Clinical Trial

A groundbreaking medical advancement has emerged from South Florida, where a paralyzed military veteran has been implanted with a brain chip developed by Neuralink, the company co-founded by Elon Musk. This implant is part of an ongoing FDA-approved clinical trial involving seven participants across the United States, aiming to test whether the device can restore neural control over electronic devices.

The veteran, identified as RJ, suffered a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident and received the Neuralink implant in April at the University of Miami’s UHealth Tower. The surgical procedure involved a minimally invasive approach where a small incision was made to implant a wireless, rechargeable brain chip known as 'Link' or 'Telepathy.' Surgeons employed a neural robot with ultra-thin needles to insert over 60 flexible threads into the brain area responsible for movement and thoughts. The surgery was successful, and RJ was discharged a day later.

This cutting-edge technology records electrical signals from brain cells and transmits them wirelessly to software that decodes neural activity into commands for electronic devices. Demonstrations have shown RJ controlling a computer cursor, playing video games like Call of Duty and Mario Kart, and even turning on his TV—all with his mind. Such capabilities mark a significant step toward enabling paralyzed individuals to regain control over various electronic systems.

RJ expressed immense excitement, saying, "They're giving me my spark back… my drive back. They've given me my purpose back." According to Neuralink’s co-founder and president, DJ Seo, RJ is the fifth individual in the country to receive the implant during these clinical trials. He is also the first patient at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, affiliated with the University of Miami, which is testing the device's safety and effectiveness.

As part of an ongoing effort to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, Neuralink is working closely with authorities and carefully monitoring each step. CEO Elon Musk stated that the company’s cautious approach reflects their commitment to safety, emphasizing that they are not rushing but ensuring each trial is conducted meticulously.

The current trial seeks volunteers aged 22 to 75 with paralysis caused by cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative nerve disease. Neuralink has received approval to explore similar trials in Canada, the UK, and the UAE.

Neuralink's innovative approach uses a robotic surgical system to implant the device with minimal invasiveness, making the procedure safer and less traumatic. The ultimate goal is to develop devices that can restore movement, sight, and speech for individuals suffering from various neurological conditions. Many experts see this as a promising leap towards curing paralysis and improving quality of life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-brain-chip-elon-musk-company.html