A paralyzed patient walks again ten years later. The researchers consider the scientific advance: “the doors of a new era in the treatment of motor deficit disorder.”
Gert-Jan Oskam, 40, was the victim of a motorcycle accident more than a decade ago that left him paralyzed in the limbs. Ten years later, he can walk up to 100 meters, depending on the day, and stand without help. for several minutes thanks to a revolutionary implant.
The revolutionary scientific breakthrough has given hope to people with paralysis by allowing a man to regain the ability to walk naturally. Dr. Grégoire Courtine and his team from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne have developed and implemented a brain-cord interface that establishes a direct connection between the brain and spinal cord.
Using brain implants, this device records the patient’s movement intentions and transmits them wirelessly to an external processing unitwhich then translates these signals into commands to stimulate the muscles needed for walking.
The results of this innovative Medical Investigationpublished in the prestigious journal Nature, show the achievements obtained by Gert-Jan Oskam, the first study participant to have made great strides thanks to this pioneering technology.
After trying several previous options, Oskam decided to have the implant and learn to walk again. This significantly improved their quality of life and independence.allowing you to perform everyday tasks that you previously could not perform on your own.
The researchers are excited about the future possibilities of this technology. In addition to help people with leg paralysis, it could also be of benefit to those with paralysis of the arms and hands or who have suffered a stroke. However, the team hopes to reduce the size of the system to make it more portable and accessible.
more research is needed
The neurological connection established by this device is fast and reliable, proving its effectiveness in Oskam’s case. Researchers believe that this digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord represents a new era in the treatment of neurological disorders and motor deficits.
Although more research and development will be needed, this research provides hope for people with paralysis as it validates the possibility of restoring the neurological link between the brain and spinal cord.
While the road ahead may be long, current advances lay the foundation for future advances in the field of medicine and neuroscienceoffering new opportunities to improve the quality of life for those living with neuromotor disabilities.
