Latest news with #Electromyography
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I was living with ALS symptoms for years before I was diagnosed in my 40s. The signs you shouldn't ignore — and the reality of living with a terminal illness
May is ALS Awareness Month — an important cause to Stephanie Thompson. The Ottawa-based mom was in her early 40s when she began noticing the first signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The now 44-year-old was experiencing 'weird muscle cramps' that would occur seemingly out of nowhere. "It's normal to get cramps in your feet, and I had those too, so I didn't think much of it," she said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "But then I'd be brushing my hair and my hand would seize up, clamping around the brush so tightly I had to pry my fingers loose.' The cramping worsened over time to the point that she recalled not being able to lift her head from her pillow. Still, it would be two years before Thompson felt they were serious enough to see a doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. 'My three boys — 15, 13, and 6 — took up a lot of time, and there was always something going on,' she explained. 'I kept putting [my health] on the back burner. But then I had this feeling — it can't be normal because it lasted too long.' In September 2023, two years after she first began noticing symptoms, the cramps had progressed to the point where Thompson needed to brace herself to stand up. Her doctor referred her to a specialist for an Electromyography (EMG), a procedure that measures muscle and nerve function. "My first EMG and physical exam showed weakness, but I didn't get the results then,' Thompson said. Thompson was referred to a neurologist in December 2023 for more tests and a second EMG; a month later, she received an MRI. February brought more tests and another EMG. Five months after she visited her doctor for her symptoms she received the devastating diagnosis: she had ALS. 'I went to a very dark place where I couldn't function…,' she said. 'You think about your life, even just the day before the diagnosis, and you start grieving the future you thought you'd have. It's like, that's not going to happen now.' Despite the heartbreak of learning she has ALS, Thompson acknowledged that she received her diagnosis relatively quickly. Dr. Lorne Zinman, head of Sunnybrook Hospital's ALS Clinic in Toronto agreed. Most family doctors will encounter only one or two ALS cases in their entire careerDr. Lorne Zinman 'In Canada, it typically takes patients one and a half to two years from their first symptom to receive a diagnosis,' he explained in a separate interview with Yahoo Canada. One reason for the delayed diagnosis is that ALS has no 'diagnostic biomarkers' and a diagnosis is made 'ruling out every other possibility. Adding to the challenge is the disease's rarity. ALS affects only two to three people per 100,000 annually, and there's a lack of awareness among general practitioners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Thompson (@alsgetsonmynerves) 'Most family doctors will encounter only one or two ALS cases in their entire career,' says Zinman. 'Stroke, by comparison, is far more common." ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It destroys the nerve cells that control muscles, severely impairing speech, swallowing, movement, and eventually breathing. Unfortunately, today, there is no cure. Approximately 3,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with ALS each year; one thousand Canadians die annually from the disease. The life expectancy for people with ALS varies, however Health Canada reports that 80 per cent of people die two to five years after their diagnosis. 'For reasons we don't fully understand, yet, the nerves controlling muscles begin to degenerate,' said Zinman. 'In most patients, the disease starts in one region of the body. If it begins with speech or swallowing, it's called bulbar-onset ALS; if it starts in the arms or legs, it's known as spinal-onset ALS.' Living with ALS comes with a huge financial burden, something that Thompson and her fiancé Devin Duquette, have learned first-hand. They purchased a home in July 2023, seven months before Thompson received her diagnosis. 'Unfortunately, we did not get insurance on the mortgage. That was a financial hit for us because we have to maintain that mortgage throughout this process,' explained Thompson. In addition, the new home required upgrades such as the chair lift to help keep her as mobile as possible. Since the pandemic, Thompson had been working remotely for a corporate bank. Although the job wasn't physically demanding, she ultimately had to stop working. 'I came to the point where the physical requirement to even be at a desk for that long was something that I couldn't do," she said. "Because of the continuous typing, I'll cramp up my hands. And then there was the stress of work and [after the diagnosis] the stress of [learning that] I'm dying.' Despite the public health care system and provincial home care programs that offer some support, coverage is inconsistent across Canada. Families must grapple with the expensive treatments and out-of-pocket costs of medicines and specialized equipment that could provide comfort and care. The ALS Society of Canada says the average financial burden a household incurs with a member living with ALS between $150,000 and $250,000 over the course of the disease. It's considered the "bankruptcy disease" because the yearly cost of ALS care is much higher than that for people living with HIV/AIDS, stroke survivors in their first year, or those with Alzheimer's. With a reduced income, keeping up with everything is challengingStephanie Thompson Although Thompson received help from the ALS Society of Canada, she and Duquette turned to GoFundMe to help raise money for bedroom equipment 'With a reduced income, keeping up with everything is challenging. The ALS Society of Canada provides some devices and equipment, but you don't have a say in what you receive. For example, I had to pay out of pocket for specific bathroom equipment,' she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Thompson (@alsgetsonmynerves) As per the ALS Society of Canada, the direct costs associated with ALS (including medical expenses, mobility aids, home modifications, and specialized services) on average add up to $32,337 per year, with families paying about 61 per cent of that — approximately $19,574 — out of pocket. Indirect costs, which are a result of loss of job or unpaid caregiving responsibility are an approximately an additional $56,821 annually. Private insurance has been crucial in covering ALS-related expenses. 'Critical illness insurance helped with some costs, and the Assistive Devices Program will partially cover a specialized electric chair— which costs as much as a car— but I'll have to cover the rest,' she said. Thompson has also turned to social media for support. In addition to her GoFundMe page, she has an Amazon wish list that includes items like a hydration system for people with limited mobility and a hand splint to help straighten her fingers. 'I'm grateful to social media for connecting me with the community. If someone wants to help but can't donate directly, an Amazon wish list with a $30 item could be a way. I'm happy with whatever works for them,' said Thompson. Social media is not only a way for Thompson to connect with the community but also raise awareness for ALS. She's documenting her ALS journey on Instagram through her handle ALS Gets On My Nerves. The guilt of this is something that I'm still working through. I'm proud how of Devin and my kids have adapted into our new Thompson 'This happened [to me] for a reason and I'm going to make the most of it to spread awareness because there's never enough awareness," she said. Amid the chaos, Thompson and Duquette got engaged on Dec 31, 2021. 'The future we thought we would have isn't there. To pivot and to become one of my caregivers has been inspiring to me. He has to carry the household plus take care of me,' she says. 'His workload has increased substantially and he does it out of love. It's not the future that I thought we would be having. But I can't control it. The guilt of this is something that I'm still working through. I'm proud how of Devin and my kids have adapted into our new normal. 'We had a few detours and side quests along the way but are planning on getting married this year. Creating memories and finding our own joy and happiness throughout this journey is our primary objective.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I was living with ALS symptoms for years before I was diagnosed in my 40s. The signs you shouldn't ignore — and the reality of living with a terminal illness
May is ALS Awareness Month — an important cause to Stephanie Thompson. The Ottawa-based mom was in her early 40s when she began noticing the first signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The now 44-year-old was experiencing 'weird muscle cramps' that would occur seemingly out of nowhere. "It's normal to get cramps in your feet, and I had those too, so I didn't think much of it," she said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "But then I'd be brushing my hair and my hand would seize up, clamping around the brush so tightly I had to pry my fingers loose.' The cramping worsened over time to the point that she recalled not being able to lift her head from her pillow. Still, it would be two years before Thompson felt they were serious enough to see a doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. 'My three boys — 15, 13, and 6 — took up a lot of time, and there was always something going on,' she explained. 'I kept putting [my health] on the back burner. But then I had this feeling — it can't be normal because it lasted too long.' In September 2023, two years after she first began noticing symptoms, the cramps had progressed to the point where Thompson needed to brace herself to stand up. Her doctor referred her to a specialist for an Electromyography (EMG), a procedure that measures muscle and nerve function. "My first EMG and physical exam showed weakness, but I didn't get the results then,' Thompson said. Thompson was referred to a neurologist in December 2023 for more tests and a second EMG; a month later, she received an MRI. February brought more tests and another EMG. Five months after she visited her doctor for her symptoms she received the devastating diagnosis: she had ALS. 'I went to a very dark place where I couldn't function…,' she said. 'You think about your life, even just the day before the diagnosis, and you start grieving the future you thought you'd have. It's like, that's not going to happen now.' Despite the heartbreak of learning she has ALS, Thompson acknowledged that she received her diagnosis relatively quickly. Dr. Lorne Zinman, head of Sunnybrook Hospital's ALS Clinic in Toronto agreed. 'In Canada, it typically takes patients one and a half to two years from their first symptom to receive a diagnosis,' he explained in a separate interview with Yahoo Canada. One reason for the delayed diagnosis is that ALS has no 'diagnostic biomarkers' and a diagnosis is made 'ruling out every other possibility. Adding to the challenge is the disease's rarity. ALS affects only two to three people per 100,000 annually, and there's a lack of awareness among general practitioners. 'Most family doctors will encounter only one or two ALS cases in their entire career,' says Zinman. 'Stroke, by comparison, is far more common." ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It destroys the nerve cells that control muscles, severely impairing speech, swallowing, movement, and eventually breathing. Unfortunately, today, there is no cure. Approximately 3,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with ALS each year; one thousand Canadians die annually from the disease. The life expectancy for people with ALS varies, however Health Canada reports that 80 per cent of people die two to five years after their diagnosis. 'For reasons we don't fully understand, yet, the nerves controlling muscles begin to degenerate,' said Zinman. 'In most patients, the disease starts in one region of the body. If it begins with speech or swallowing, it's called bulbar-onset ALS; if it starts in the arms or legs, it's known as spinal-onset ALS.' Living with ALS comes with a huge financial burden, something that Thompson and her fiancé Devin Duquette, have learned first-hand. They purchased a home in July 2023, seven months before Thompson received her diagnosis. 'Unfortunately, we did not get insurance on the mortgage. That was a financial hit for us because we have to maintain that mortgage throughout this process,' explained Thompson. In addition, the new home required upgrades such as the chair lift to help keep her as mobile as possible. Since the pandemic, Thompson had been working remotely for a corporate bank. Although the job wasn't physically demanding, she ultimately had to stop working. 'I came to the point where the physical requirement to even be at a desk for that long was something that I couldn't do," she said. "Because of the continuous typing, I'll cramp up my hands. And then there was the stress of work and [after the diagnosis] the stress of [learning that] I'm dying.' Despite the public health care system and provincial home care programs that offer some support, coverage is inconsistent across Canada. Families must grapple with the expensive treatments and out-of-pocket costs of medicines and specialized equipment that could provide comfort and care. The ALS Society of Canada says the average financial burden a household incurs with a member living with ALS between $150,000 and $250,000 over the course of the disease. It's considered the "bankruptcy disease" because the yearly cost of ALS care is much higher than that for people living with HIV/AIDS, stroke survivors in their first year, or those with Alzheimer's. Although Thompson received help from the ALS Society of Canada, she and Duquette turned to GoFundMe to help raise money for bedroom equipment 'With a reduced income, keeping up with everything is challenging. The ALS Society of Canada provides some devices and equipment, but you don't have a say in what you receive. For example, I had to pay out of pocket for specific bathroom equipment,' she said. As per the ALS Society of Canada, the direct costs associated with ALS (including medical expenses, mobility aids, home modifications, and specialized services) on average add up to $32,337 per year, with families paying about 61 per cent of that — approximately $19,574 — out of pocket. Indirect costs, which are a result of loss of job or unpaid caregiving responsibility are an approximately an additional $56,821 annually. Private insurance has been crucial in covering ALS-related expenses. 'Critical illness insurance helped with some costs, and the Assistive Devices Program will partially cover a specialized electric chair— which costs as much as a car— but I'll have to cover the rest,' she said. Thompson has also turned to social media for support. In addition to her GoFundMe page, she has an Amazon wish list that includes items like a hydration system for people with limited mobility and a hand splint to help straighten her fingers. 'I'm grateful to social media for connecting me with the community. If someone wants to help but can't donate directly, an Amazon wish list with a $30 item could be a way. I'm happy with whatever works for them,' said Thompson. Social media is not only a way for Thompson to connect with the community but also raise awareness for ALS. She's documenting her ALS journey on Instagram through her handle ALS Gets On My Nerves. 'This happened [to me] for a reason and I'm going to make the most of it to spread awareness because there's never enough awareness," she said. Amid the chaos, Thompson and Duquette got engaged on Dec 31, 2021. 'The future we thought we would have isn't there. To pivot and to become one of my caregivers has been inspiring to me. He has to carry the household plus take care of me,' she says. 'His workload has increased substantially and he does it out of love. It's not the future that I thought we would be having. But I can't control it. The guilt of this is something that I'm still working through. I'm proud how of Devin and my kids have adapted into our new normal. 'We had a few detours and side quests along the way but are planning on getting married this year. Creating memories and finding our own joy and happiness throughout this journey is our primary objective.'
Business Standard
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Woxsen & SixS Collaborate to Launch India's First Brain Training Lab for Athletes
PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 3: Woxsen University has taken a pioneering step in Indian sports development with the launch of the Woxsen Sports Academy in collaboration with SixS Sports & Business Solutions Pvt Ltd., unveiling the country's first-ever Brain Training Lab for Athletes. The event brought together some of the biggest names in Indian sports and academia, setting a new benchmark in holistic athlete development. * Pioneering Sports Science Meets Education in a Groundbreaking Initiative Sports Science Meets Performance: Launch of Brain Training Lab and Biomechanics Tech At the heart of this revolutionary initiative lies the Brain Training Lab, an innovation that integrates neuroscience and cognitive training with traditional sports performance. Designed to improve focus, reaction time, and decision-making, the lab addresses critical mental aspects of elite athletic performance. Expanding on this, Woxsen Sports Academy has also introduced a State-of-the-Art Sports Science Centre, featuring cutting-edge Sports Biomechanics technologies: * Motion Capture System by Xsens: Captures precise 3D human motion in real time, from subtle muscle twitches to dynamic full-body movements. It ensures mobile and stable performance analysis, even in field settings. * Smart Plantar Pressure Sensor Insoles by Moticon: Offers lab-level gait and foot pressure analysis within the athlete's shoe, eliminating lab constraints. * Surface Electromyography (EMG) by Delsys: Measures muscle activation during performance and rehabilitation, providing insight into muscle behavior in varied conditions. These technologies are instrumental in optimizing an athlete's biomechanics, technical skill, and physical conditioning. Anju Bobby George, World Athletics Medallist & Olympian, remarked, "India's first world medal to our country -- we are giving an opportunity to each one of them. They can choose between sports and education. ABF got another world medal in the junior category. This is a unique opportunity -- the first time I am coming out of my academy to create a new opportunity for athletes and kids. We bring their kids to sports and still help them with their academics. Thank you to all the stakeholders -- hope this brings something new for this country." Pullela Gopichand, All England Champion & Founder of Gopichand Academy, said, "I think for me it is a great collaboration to have. Congratulations to Anthony and the idea -- nobody better than Woxsen and Raul to understand this. It means a lot to me -- it is not very easy for people to understand sports until you have an entire cycle of champions and failures. My students who play and do not succeed need a backup plan. Either people take the complete education route -- good at cracking exams but not cracking life -- or even when people succeed only in sports, how many can have a good life and manage something in sports? We need mentorship at every level -- together we are addressing that today. Hopefully in the years to come, this will become a game changer for the country. Every sportsperson who spends their time playing will have the same mindset." MSK Prasad, Former Indian Cricketer & Chief Selector, stated, "Honoured to be a part of a collaborative initiative. Sports is not just about physical aptitude, but an attitude -- a fight within oneself. Going forward, we will talk about physical literacy. A combination of education and sports will definitely help." Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President, Woxsen University, stated, "The launch of the Brain Training Lab is a significant milestone for Woxsen and Indian sports. Through this collaboration with SixS, we are creating a forward-thinking ecosystem that nurtures the mind and body of athletes. Our goal is to provide Indian athletes with the tools, technology, and education needed to compete on the global stage. In fact, our School of Business was ranked #27 in Asia-Pacific in the QS Executive MBA Rankings. We received this recognition just day before yesterday, further affirming our academic excellence and global relevance." Antony Chacko, CEO, SixS Sports, added, "SixS is a well-recognised sports sciences company. Children are not enjoying due to competition. The key is balance between education, health and mental stress. Sharing the same vision with MSK Prasad, Anil Nayyar, Anju Bobby George, and Pullela Gopichand, we are coming together for a common cause and revolutionising Indian sport for children, ensuring they enjoy the best education, better mental health, and are stress-free. We will produce Olympic champions." The Woxsen-SixS partnership signals a new era of athlete development, combining education, biomechanics, mental training, and elite mentorship. With India's largest sports infrastructure, advanced technologies, and international collaborations, Woxsen is redefining the future of sports in the country. About Woxsen University, Hyderabad: Woxsen University, located in Hyderabad, is one of the first private universities in the state of Telangana, India. Renowned for its 200-acre state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, Woxsen University offers new-age, disruptive programs in the fields of Business, Technology, Arts & Design, Architecture, Law, and Liberal Arts & Humanities. Woxsen also houses Asia's largest Sports Infrastructure, spread over 60 acres. With 170+ Global Partner Universities and a strong industry connect, Woxsen is recognized as one of the top universities for Academic Excellence and Global Edge. Woxsen has also secured the QS Business Masters World Ranking 2025, Rank #9 All India, Top 100 B-Schools by Times B-School Ranking 2025, Rank #6, Asia Pacific, Bloomberg Best B-School, and features in India's Best B-Schools beyond IIMs by Dalal Street Investment Journal 2025, in 4th consecutive year. Woxsen is ranked as one of the Top Professional Colleges in India by Outlook I-CARE for its undergraduate programs, securing All India Rank 12 among the Top 130 BBA Private Institutes, All India Rank 20 among the Top 160 Private Institutes, All India Rank 3 among the Top 25 Design Private Institutes, and All India Rank 3 among the Top 30 Private Institutes.
Hans India
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Woxsen & SixS Collaborate to Launch India's First Brain Training Lab for Athletes
Woxsen University hosted the retired Indian cricketer and former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad, marking a significant milestone in sports education and talent development. During his visit, Prasad explored Woxsen Sports Academy infrastructure and formalized a partnership by signing an MOU between Woxsen University, MSK Prasad's International Cricket Academy and SixS Sports. Sports Science Meets Performance: Launch of Brain Training Lab and Biomechanics Tech At the heart of this revolutionary initiative lies the Brain Training Lab, an innovation that integrates neuroscience and cognitive training with traditional sports performance. Designed to improve focus, reaction time, and decision-making, the lab addresses critical mental aspects of elite athletic performance. Expanding on this, Woxsen Sports Academy has also introduced a State-of-the-Art Sports Science Centre, featuring cutting-edge Sports Biomechanics technologies: · Motion Capture System by Xsens: Captures precise 3D human motion in real time, from subtle muscle twitches to dynamic full-body movements. It ensures mobile and stable performance analysis, even in field settings. · Smart Plantar Pressure Sensor Insoles by Moticon: Offers lab-level gait and foot pressure analysis within the athlete's shoe, eliminating lab constraints. · Surface Electromyography (EMG) by Delsys: Measures muscle activation during performance and rehabilitation, providing insight into muscle behavior in varied conditions. These technologies are instrumental in optimizing an athlete's biomechanics, technical skill, and physical conditioning. Anju Bobby George, World Athletics Medallist & Olympian, remarked 'India's first world medal to our country — we are giving an opportunity to each one of them. They can choose between sports and education. ABF got another world medal in the junior category. This is a unique opportunity — first time I am coming out of my academy to create a new opportunity for athletes and kids. We bring their kids to sports and still help them with their academics. Thank you to all the stakeholders — hope this brings something new for this country.' Pullela Gopichand, All England Champion & Founder of Gopichand Academy, said 'I think for me it is a great collaboration to have. Congratulations to Anthony and the idea — nobody better than Woxsen and Raul to understand this. It means a lot to me — it is not very easy for people to understand sports until you have an entire cycle of champions and failures. My students who play and do not succeed need a backup plan. Either people take the complete education route — good at cracking exams but not cracking life — or even when people succeed only in sports, how many can have a good life and manage something in sports? We need mentorship at every level — together we are addressing that today. Hopefully in the years to come, this will become a game changer for the country. Every sportsperson who spends their time playing will have the same mindset.' MSK Prasad, Former Indian Cricketer & Chief Selector, stated 'Honoured to be a part of a collaborative initiative. Sports is not just about physical aptitude, but an attitude — a fight within oneself. Going forward, we will talk about physical literacy. A combination of education and sports will definitely help.' Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President, Woxsen University, stated 'The launch of the Brain Training Lab is a significant milestone for Woxsen and Indian sports. Through this collaboration with SixS, we are creating a forward-thinking ecosystem that nurtures the mind and body of athletes. Our goal is to provide Indian athletes with the tools, technology, and education needed to compete on the global stage. In fact, our School of Business was ranked #27 in Asia-Pacific in the QS Executive MBA Rankings received , this recognition just day before yesterday, further affirming our academic excellence and global relevance.' Antony Chacko, CEO, SixS Sports, added 'Six x is a well-recognised sports sciences company. Children are not enjoying due to competition. The key is balance between education, health and mental stress. Sharing the same vision with MSK Prasad, Anil Nayyar, Anju Bobby George, and Pullela Gopichand, we are coming together for a common cause and revolutionising Indian sport for children, ensuring they enjoy the best education, better mental health, and are stress-free. We will produce Olympic champions.' The Woxsen-SixS partnership signals a new era of athlete development, combining education, biomechanics, mental training, and elite mentorship. With India's largest sports infrastructure, advanced technologies, and international collaborations, Woxsen is redefining the future of sports in the country.
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Ai-powered system enables real-time speech generation for paralyzed individuals
Listen to article California-based researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI-powered system that enables real-time speech generation for individuals with paralysis, using their own voices. This cutting-edge technology, created by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, San Francisco, represents a significant advancement in brain-computer interface (BCI) research. The system utilizes neural interfaces to measure brain activity and AI algorithms that reconstruct speech patterns. It marks a major leap forward from previous efforts, allowing for near-instantaneous voice synthesis—a capability previously thought to be years away. "Our streaming approach brings the same rapid speech decoding capacity of devices like Alexa and Siri to neuroprostheses," said Gopala Anumanchipalli, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at UC Berkeley and co-principal investigator of the study, which was published this week in Nature Neuroscience. "Using a similar type of algorithm, we found that we could decode neural data and, for the first time, enable near-synchronous voice streaming. The result is more naturalistic, fluent speech synthesis." The technology can work with various brain-sensing interfaces, including high-density electrode arrays placed directly on the brain's surface, microelectrodes that penetrate brain tissue, and non-invasive Surface Electromyography (sEMG) sensors that measure muscle activity on the face. The neuroprosthetic device samples neural data from the motor cortex—the brain region responsible for speech production. AI then decodes this data into audible speech. Study co-author Cheol Jun Cho explained, "What we're decoding is after a thought has happened—after we've decided what to say, after we've chosen the words and planned our vocal tract movements." To train the AI, researchers collected data from patients silently attempting to speak words displayed on a screen. This enabled the system to map neural activity to specific speech patterns. Additionally, a text-to-speech model was developed using recordings of the patient's voice from before their paralysis, ensuring a more natural sound. The system can begin decoding brain signals and producing speech within a second of a patient attempting to speak—an improvement from the eight-second delay recorded in a 2023 study. While the generated speech is not yet perfectly fluid, it is significantly more natural and intelligible compared to previous BCI-based speech synthesis technologies. This innovation could dramatically enhance the quality of life for individuals with conditions like ALS or severe paralysis by enabling more expressive and natural communication with caregivers, loved ones, and the broader world. Researchers plan to further refine the AI model to speed up processing times and enhance the expressiveness of synthesized speech. As advancements continue, this breakthrough could pave the way for broader accessibility and improved communication tools for those with severe speech impairments.
