Scientists have discovered a new technique that could help people with spinal cord injuries walk more easily. The new study has revealed that electrically stimulating a specific brain region can help patients with spinal cord injuries walk. One patient shared how the therapy enabled him to overcome his fear of stairs, marking a significant advancement in mobility for people with partial spinal cord injuries.

The technique, designed for people whose spinal cord injuries have not completely severed the connection between the brain and spinal cord, offers hope to those with some remaining leg movement. Researchers pinpointed the lateral hypothalamus—a brain region associated with arousal, motivation, and feeding—as critical in facilitating recovery from such injuries.

Swiss neuroscientist Gregoire Courtine, a lead researcher at Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, explained that a group of neurons in this region appears to play a key role in helping patients regain their ability to walk. Using 3D imaging, the team mapped brain activity in mice with spinal cord injuries, creating a detailed "brain-wide atlas" to guide their approach.

The Role of Deep Brain Stimulation

To enhance the signals from the lateral hypothalamus, the team used deep brain stimulation (DBS). This widely used medical procedure involves implanting electrodes into the brain and connecting them to a device in the patient’s chest. The device sends electrical pulses to stimulate the brain.

Initial trials on rats and mice showed immediate improvement in their walking abilities. The approach was then tested on two human participants, including 54-year-old Wolfgang Jaeger.

How This Therapy Helped A Patient With Injury To Walk

Jaeger, from Kappel, Switzerland, suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury that limited his mobility. After undergoing the treatment, Jaeger noticed an immediate difference. "Now, when I see a staircase with just a few steps, I know I can handle it on my own," he said in a video accompanying the study, published in Nature Medicine.

A second participant in the trial, a woman with a similar injury, also experienced remarkable progress. Neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch shared that when the device was activated for the first time, the woman exclaimed, "I feel my legs." With increased electrical current, she added, "I feel the urge to walk."

Both participants underwent months of rehabilitation and strength training alongside using the DBS device. While the woman aimed to walk without a walker, Jaeger's goal was to climb stairs independently. Remarkably, both achieved their objectives.

A New Sense of Independence

During a recent holiday, Jaeger faced a set of eight stairs leading to the sea. With the device turned on, "walking up and down the stairs was no problem," he said. "It's a great feeling when you don't have to rely on others all the time." Over time, Jaeger even observed improvements in his mobility when the device was switched off, indicating lasting benefits.

Challenges and Limitations Of This Therapy

While this technique shows promise, it is not suitable for all spinal cord injury patients. Courtine cautioned that the therapy depends on how much signal from the brain still reaches the spinal cord. Additionally, the invasive nature of brain surgery required for DBS may deter some patients.

Looking ahead, researchers are exploring the potential of combining spinal cord and brain stimulation for enhanced results. This dual approach could offer an even more effective pathway for recovery. This innovative therapy marks a significant step forward in treating spinal cord injuries, giving hope to patients seeking to regain independence.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.