Elon Musk’s Neuralink Helps Paralysed Woman Write Again After 20 Years

Mind Over Machine: Audrey Crews Writes Her Name After 20 Years Using Only Her Thoughts with Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip

Audrey Crews, a paralyzed woman, wrote her name for the first time in 20 years - not with her hand, but with her mind. This milestone was made possible by the brain-computer interface (BCI) company founded by Elon Musk, Neuralink.

She was the ninth participant in Neuralink’s clinical trial, and became the first woman to receive the implant. Her story has sparked attention worldwide after she shared a photo of her digitally written name, produced through thought alone.

Crews lost her ability to move two decades ago due to a spinal cord injury. But this month, she stunned the world by controlling a computer cursor and drawing symbols simply by thinking. She posted her progress on X, calling it “telepathy.”

A Brain Chip That Translates Thought Into Action

This great achievement became possible through a tiny brain chip, surgically placed in her skull. The device, roughly the size of a coin, includes 128 threads embedded in the brain’s motor cortex - the area responsible for movement. These threads record the electrical signals that arise when the brain thinks about making a movement.

The chip then wirelessly sends these signals to a computer. It is decoded by special software that converts thoughts into actions like moving a cursor, clicking on icons, or writing letters.

The Neuralink surgical procedure is robotically assisted to precisely insert the threads into the brain. The surgery was conducted at the University of Miami Health Centre, followed by what Crews described as an "amazing" recovery.

A Glimpse Into a Future of Mind-Powered Tools

While the brain chip does not restore physical movement, it offers digital freedom. Musk emphasized that people often don’t realize such control is already possible. His response to Crews’ post read, “She is controlling her computer just by thinking.”

Crews’ post has reached over 2 million views. Alongside her signature, she shared drawings of a heart, a bird, and even a pizza slice, all made mentally.

Neuralink was founded in 2016 with a goal to connect the human brain with digital systems. It aims to support those with neurological disorders and redefine human-machine interaction.

This breakthrough reflects a future where thought-driven communication could reshape accessibility. Neuralink is also testing another implant called Blindsight, designed to restore sight in the blind.

From mind-controlled typing to potential smart home access, Neuralink's progress opens new doors for people living with paralysis. The line between imagination and action is narrowing. Audrey Crews is living proof.