Electrical and Magnetic Neuromodulation Technologies and Brain-Computer Interfaces: Ethical Considerations for Enhancement of Brain Function in Healthy People – A Systematic Scoping Review

Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, vol. 102, pp. 308–324

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This scoping review aimed to synthesize the fragmented evidence on ethical concerns related to the use of electrical and magnetic neuromodulation technologies, as well as brain-computer interfaces for enhancing brain function in healthy individuals, addressing the gaps in understanding spurred by rapid technological advancements and ongoing ethical debates. METHODS: The following databases and interfaces were queried: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, PhilPapers, and Google Scholar. Additional references were identified via bibliographies of included citations. References included experimental studies, reviews, opinion papers, and letters to editors published in peer-reviewed journals that explored the ethical implications of electrical and magnetic neuromodulation technologies and brain-computer interfaces for enhancement of brain function in healthy adult or pediatric populations. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were included in the review, of which the majority explored expert opinions in the form of qualitative studies or surveys as well as reviews. Two studies explored the view of laypersons on the topic. The majority of evidence pointed to ethical concerns relating to a lack of sufficient efficacy and safety data for these new technologies, with the risks of invasive procedures potentially outweighing the benefits. Additionally, concerns about potential socioeconomic consequences were raised that could further exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities, as well as the risk of changes to person and environment. CONCLUSION: This scoping review highlights a critical shortage of ethical research on electrical and magnetic neuromodulation technologies and brain-computer interfaces for enhancement of brain function in healthy individuals, with key concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and socioeconomic impacts of neuromodulation technologies. It underscores the urgent need for integrating ethical considerations into neuroscientific research to address significant gaps and ensure equitable access and outcomes.

Authors 7

1. Markus Ploesser

   University of California, Riverside · University of British Columbia

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California, USA

   Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

2. Mickey Ellis Abraham

   University of California San Diego

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

3. Marike L. D. Broekman Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Medisch Centrum Haaglanden · Stichting Haaglanden Medisch Centrum

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

   Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

4. Miriam Tanja Zincke
   Affiliation as printed

   Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

5. Craig Aaron Beach
   Affiliation as printed

   Open Mind Health, San Diego, California, USA

6. Nina Beatrix Urban

   Bellevue Hospital Center · New York University

   Affiliation as printed

   NYU - NYC Health and Hospitals, Bellevue, New York, USA

7. Sharona Ben‐Haim

   University of California San Diego

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA