Thu Dec 05 11:11:37 UTC 2024: ## Brain Stimulation Helps Spinal Cord Injury Patients Walk Again: Swiss Study
**Paris, December 5, 2024** – A groundbreaking study published in *Nature Medicine* reveals that electrically stimulating a specific brain region can significantly improve mobility in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland used deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the lateral hypothalamus, a region previously unknown for its role in motor recovery.
The study involved two patients who participated in an early trial. One patient, Wolfgang Jaeger, reported conquering his fear of stairs and regaining independent mobility. Another patient, a woman whose identity was not revealed, reported feeling her legs and the urge to walk upon activation of the implanted device.
The technique involves implanting electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus, connected to a chest-mounted device that delivers electrical pulses. While the procedure is similar to DBS used for Parkinson’s disease, this study focused on amplifying the brain’s signal to the spinal cord, improving leg movement. Both patients, after months of rehabilitation, achieved their individual goals – Jaeger to climb stairs independently, and the woman to walk without a walker.
While the results are promising, researchers emphasize that the technique is not a universal solution and further research is needed. Its effectiveness depends on the remaining connection between the brain and spinal cord. The team believes that future treatments may combine DBS of the lateral hypothalamus with spinal cord stimulation for optimal results.
First Piper 