Thanks to new high-frequency electrical stimulation that blocks spasticity, two paralyzed patients suffering from muscle stiffness after spinal cord injury benefit from rehabilitation protocols for walking again.
Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is a promising strategy for reestablishing walking after spinal cord injury, recent studies show. But for patients suffering from muscle spasms, the stimulation protocols have a limited effect due to the unpredictable behaviour of involuntary muscle stiffness related to spasticity. Muscle spasticity affects almost 70% of spinal cord injured patients
"This is a safe and effective surgical procedure that offers a new perspective in the treatment of patients with severe damage to the spinal cord. We are planning to extend the indications to different clinical conditions we will define in the next month.
During the clinical trial at San Raffaele Hospital, coordinated by Mortini and Micera, Simone Romeni, first author of the study and researcher at EPFL and Università San Raffaele, proposed to implement high-frequency stimulation taking inspiration from previous work on high-frequency kilohertz blocks of motor circuits by stimulating peripheral nerves.
"The clinical data with the two patients point to the benefits of implementing high-frequency stimulation for reducing muscle stiffness and spasms in paralysis. More experiments will be necessary to confirm the potentials of this approach," concludes Mortini.
Disability Nervous System Neuroscience Depression Brain-Computer Interfaces Medical Technology Energy Technology Electricity
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Chelsea’s win over Brentford was seismic after overcoming key hurdleChelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League was more than just three points for Enzo Maresca's side.
Read more »
Overcoming AI Implementation HurdlesThis article provides guidance on how organizations can successfully implement AI by identifying the right problems, finding solutions in complex contexts, and prioritizing projects for maximum benefit.
Read more »
Overcoming Fear and Cultivating Connection in a Post-Pandemic WorldThe author reflects on the importance of real-life interactions in a world increasingly dominated by digital connections. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, they highlight the awkwardness many individuals, including students and adults, feel in initiating conversations after the pandemic. The author shares a life-changing experience at a dance convention that taught them the power of simply saying hello to others, leading to meaningful connections and even marriage.
Read more »
Overcoming Therapist Hesitation to Discuss Sex with ClientsThis article explores therapists' anxieties around discussing sex with clients and provides strategies for overcoming these hesitations. It emphasizes the importance of normalizing sex as a topic in therapy and offers suggestions for initiating open and comfortable conversations about sexuality.
Read more »
Unlocking Creativity: Overcoming Mental BarriersThis article explores common mental barriers that hinder creativity and offers practical suggestions for overcoming them. It debunks the myth that creative geniuses must suffer, highlighting the importance of self-belief and perseverance.
Read more »
Charting a path toward overcoming glioblastoma resistance to chemotherapyMutational signatures etched into the cells' genome by an anti-cancer drug called temozolomide (TMZ) uncover an Achilles' heel for TMZ chemotherapy resistance, according to new research.
Read more »