Paralyzed patients walk again after innovative brain therapy: ‘I feel my legs’

Paralyzed patients may have a chance to regain movement and even walk again, thanks to new research conducted by EPFL (Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne) and Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland. In a groundbreaking study, two individuals with spinal cord injuries underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy targeting the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region typically associated with functions like eating and arousal from sleep.

The results of the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed remarkable improvements in mobility for the patients. One participant, Wolfgang Jäger, a 54-year-old man from Austria who had been in a wheelchair since a spinal cord injury in 2006, experienced restored lower-body mobility after receiving the DBS therapy. He was able to walk without assistance and even climb stairs, demonstrating the significant impact of the treatment.

Lead researcher Dr. Grégoire Courtine explained that the therapy not only enhanced motor abilities during stimulation but also induced a reorganization of nerve fibers, leading to lasting improvements in mobility even when the stimulation was not actively being applied. This approach of combining DBS with spinal implants offers a comprehensive recovery strategy for patients with spinal cord injuries, paving the way for potential advancements in paralysis treatment.

Dr. Ann Murray, director of the Comprehensive Movement Disorder Clinic at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, expressed excitement about the study’s results, emphasizing the potential for deep brain stimulation therapy to modulate areas of the brain that are not functioning correctly. She highlighted the importance of precision and safety in brain therapies, noting the intricate nature of the brain and the need for careful execution of treatment strategies.

While the study shows promise for paralyzed patients, the researchers acknowledged limitations, including the need for larger pivotal studies to evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness and safety. Dr. Courtine emphasized the importance of conducting thorough evaluations before making the therapy widely accessible to patients, a process that may take several years.

Overall, the groundbreaking research offers hope for millions of individuals worldwide suffering from neurologic conditions, pushing the boundaries of technology and science to expand treatment options for those in need. By continuing to advance innovative therapies like deep brain stimulation, researchers aim to provide life-changing benefits to patients and improve their quality of life.