Deep brain–machine interfaces: sensing and modulating the human deep brain

Different from conventional brain–machine interfaces that focus more on decoding the cerebral cortex, deep brain–machine interfaces enable interactions between external machines and deep brain structures. They sense and modulate deep brain neural activities, aiming at function restoration, device control and therapeutic improvements. In this article, we provide an overview of multiple deep brain recording and stimulation techniques that can serve as deep brain–machine interfaces. We highlight two widely used interface technologies, namely deep brain stimulation and stereotactic electroencephalography, for technical trends, clinical applications and brain connectivity research. We discuss the potential to develop closed-loop deep brain–machine interfaces and achieve more effective and applicable systems for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.