Brain computer interface advancement in neurosciences: Applications and issues

•BCI is a technology that transfer brain signals into output commands to accomplish a task.•BCI technology provides a direct communication between brain and external device.•BCI not only serves medical field but also in other areas like gaming, education, marketing etc.•Although BCI is still in experimental phase but has a great potential in patient care. Neurosciences and Neuro-technology are continuously advancing and so individuals, society and healthcare professionals have to up date themselves with advancement. Brain computer Interface (BCI) is one such emerging technology in Neurosciences. In a nutshell, BCI technology provides a direct communication between brain and external device bypassing the normal neuromuscular pathways. BCI not only serves medical field & health care but also has role in various other arenas of human life like entertainment, gaming, education, self-control, marketing and so on. Associated with its advantages, BCI takes along with its pitfalls too which may fall into various categories like technological, neurological and ethical. In this review paper, authors discuss about the basic concept of BCI, brain signals and components. We also reviewed the applications of BCI in different fields and practical issues related to usability of BCI. Given the fact that it has a multidisciplinary realm, i.e. neurosciences, physicians of all specialties, nurses, engineers, hospital manager and administration, this review on the subject is written in common language.