Brain stimulation helps partially paralyzed patients walk again

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promising results in helping two patients with partial spinal cord injuries regain mobility. Researchers from EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital implanted electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), a brain region not typically associated with motor control. During the procedure, one patient reported feeling her legs and an urge to walk as stimulation was applied. The second patient, Wolfgang Jäger, who had been wheelchair-bound since 2006, experienced significant improvements, allowing him to walk short distances and perform daily tasks with less assistance. Notably, the benefits of DBS persisted even after the stimulation was turned off. This unexpected connection between the LH and motor function was identified through a whole-brain functional mapping study, which highlighted glutamatergic neurons in the LH as key players in motor recovery. While no adverse effects were reported, further trials are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this technique. The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine, indicating a potential new avenue for rehabilitation in patients with mobility impairments.

- Deep brain stimulation can help partially paralyzed patients regain mobility.

- The lateral hypothalamus, typically linked to feeding and reward, was targeted for stimulation.

- Patients experienced immediate improvements in walking and mobility during rehabilitation.

- Benefits of stimulation persisted even after the device was turned off.

- Further research is needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.