Revolutionary brain stimulation: Hope for patients with spinal cord injuries!

Revolutionary brain stimulation: Hope for patients with spinal cord injuries!

Scientists from Switzerland caused a sensation with a groundbreaking discovery in the area of spinal cord injuries. According to a message from the Federal Technical University of Lausanne (EPFL) and the Lausanner University Hospital CHUV, a special brain region was identified, which is crucial for the restoration of walking ability in mice with spinal cord injuries. This new development leads to an innovative approach in brain stimulation therapy, which is now also being tested in humans. Among other things, in two patients with partial spinal cord injuries, the successful application of deep brain stimulation (deep brain stimulation - DBS) on the lateral hypothalamus was observed, which significantly increased their independence and well -being.

DBS technology, previously used primarily to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's, enables targeted influence on neuronal activity in the brain. The results of this study published in the magazine "Nature Medicine" not only show immediate improvements when walking during rehabilitation, but also long -term progress. After the treatment, a sick person reported: "I feel my legs", which rejects hopes for a more comprehensive recreation strategy for patients with spinal cord injuries. In the future, research will also aim to combine the DBS with spinal cord implants in order to further improve the rehabilitation options, as the Volksblatt states.

Important information on rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after spinal cord injuries varies depending on the severity and position of the injury. A high injury can lead to tetraplegia, while an injury in the lower back area can cause paraplegia. The care of those affected requires special measures to prevent pressure ulcers and to maintain the flexibility, report the MSD manuals. The use of motorized wheelchairs is often necessary for people with tetraplegia to move on to their way. Intensive training is required to learn the use of such aids, especially if the arms and hands are badly affected.