"Three Paralyzed Patients Now Walk, Thanks to Breakthrough Technology" -Dennis Thompson
The science of spinal cord stimulation has been fine-tuned to the point that three previously paralyzed patients can now walk with minimal assistance, Swiss researchers report. They can do so with only the aid of crutches or a walker, thanks to incredibly precise electrical stimulation of their spinal cord combined with intensive rehabilitation, the scientists said. Previous studies have revealed that "the spinal cord has its own intelligence system that controls walking," said Thomas Oxley, MD, PhD, director of innovation strategy in the department of neurosurgery for the Mount Sinai Health System. "If you think about cutting the head off a chicken, it can still walk around. It doesn't need the brain to walk,” Dr. Oxley said. Implanted electrodes that provide direct electrical stimulation to the spinal cord have been shown to allow movement of previously paralyzed legs.
— Thomas J. Oxley, MD, PhD, Instructor, Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, Innovation Strategy, Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System
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