Spinal Stimulation Helps Paralyzed Patients Stand

Neuroscientist, Susan Harkema is testing the possibility of using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to allow paralyzed patients to walk on their own again. After success with one patient being able to stand up and have better control over voluntary muscles (link below), Harkema began an ongoing study with four more patients using the same method. A neurostimulation system of electrodes are surgically implanted into the patient's lower spinal cord and different combinations electrodes and frequencies are tested for the desired outcome of being able to walk. Electrical activity in the muscles is measured with electromyography. It is believed that previous studies with electrical stimulation for paralyzed patients have overwhelmed the neurons in the spinal cord. Harkema describes her approach as more of a "hearing aid" for the spine. The idea is that the spinal cord must be able to process sensory feedback in order to properly control movement. In the specific story of one patient found in the news article below, a bungee cord supported him while he went through the electrical stimulation tests. They found that the tests were actually more successful when the bungee cord was removed because the muscles actually became engaged and could send sensory signals about pressure and balance back to the spinal cord. This breakthrough has a lot of promise for the world of biomedical engineering and for individuals with paralysis. It is also relevant to our class right now as it relates neurology and muscle movement.

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