Swiss scientists are developing a treatment that could provide hope for stroke patients. Three men participated in an experimental treatment, according to the results of the article published in the journal Nature. All of these paralyzed people had spinal cord injuries.
According to the information on CNN, as a result of the experimental treatment, the patient named Michel Rocatti was able to perform simple movements again. As part of the treatment, called STIMO, 16 electrodes were placed on Roccati’s spinal cord.
PLACED UNDER THE SKIN
The electrodes receive data from pacemakers placed in the abdominal cavity and under the skin. All three participants had lost the ability to move their legs. Both also had sensory loss. The signals from the batteries stimulate the muscles through the electrodes.
There have been other applications like this, but at STIMO it was claimed that the participants were able to act independently for the first time. “It’s a pretty emotional moment because the patient is conscious of taking a step,” said Dr Jocelyne Bloch, head of the research team.
Another point that distinguishes the research from its peers is that paralyzed patients who lost their sense of feeling were also able to walk. Doctors said that currently walking provides a fairly limited range of motion.