Erik Ramsey was seriously injured in a car crash when he was 16 years old. He became locked-in and lost all voluntary muscle function except for the ability to move his eyes up and down. His father Eddie, desperate to help his son communicate, reached out to neurologist and neuroscientist Dr Phil Kennedy. Phil was known for his pioneering work helping paralysed patients communicate again. His method was to implant electrodes in their brains that would transmit their thoughts to a computer. Phil started working with Erik and Eddie but eventually, in order to advance his research, he would take the controversial step of experimenting on his own, healthy brain. Phil Kennedy and Eddie Ramsey are featured in the documentary, The Father of the Cyborgs. And Phil has written a book called Unlocking Erik.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Maryam Maruf

Picture: Phil Kennedy before his brain implant surgery
Credit: Paul Powton