[Motor-independent communication by severely physically challenged patients: neuroscientific research results and patient autonomy].

Motor-independent communication is a novel diagnostic and therapeutic method that is currently in development in order to enable communication with severely physically challenged patients. Some patients with locked-in syndromes or with chronic disorders of consciousness are capable of modulating their brain activities to such a degree that the latter can be analyzed regarding communicative intentions with neuroscientific technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. Further scientific development and an increasing clinical use of motor-independent communication will aid in meeting essential quality standards for this method. In particular, the requirements need to be clarified under which the method may be utilized to support the patients' autonomy by enabling them to make their own decisions about therapeutic interventions. Communication mediated by technology promises to significantly improve the quality of life for severely physically challenged patients.