Reviving paralyzed limbs

Q: Lately I’ve read about paraplegics with damaged spinal cords who are able to walk again using the latest technology. Can you explain how that works?— Angie B., Salisbury, Maryland

A:

Sure. But to be clear, exoskeletons (that is structures outside of the body) have been around for a few years, and they do help paraplegics walk. We believe what you’re talking about is spinal cord stimulation using 16 small electronic sensors implanted along the damaged area of the spine to increase the volume on nerve sensations so that the brain can “hear” the signals and move the limbs below the point of spinal injury.

That technology was applied by researchers at the University of Louisville to four people with spinal cord injuries who couldn’t move their legs. They had tried every other kind of rehabilitation imaginable, including intense treadmill training while having their weight partially suspended.

The patients who received the implants had sustained their injuries between 2.2 and 3.5 years earlier, according to the researchers. Two of them went through “278 sessions of epidural stimulation and gait training over a period of 85 weeks and (two worked through) 81 sessions over a period of 15 weeks … and all four achieved independent standing and trunk stability.” That’s a lot of work, but with intense training and intense electrostim it paid off. They certainly didn’t get back to where they were before their injuries, but it created a significant improvement in their lives.

Spinal cord rejuvenation was previously thought to be impossible, but we are now seeing great advances. Inspired by the success of this form of spinal cord stimulation, scientists are using small molecule compounds in mice models, coupled with limited zaps of electronic stimulation, to revive previously “quiet” spinal nerve pathways in paralyzed mice. That could be the next step for humans (pun intended), so stay tuned.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

(c) 2018 Michael Roizen, M.D.

and Mehmet Oz, M.D.