After a brutal car accident in 2006, Rob Summer was paralyzed chest down. After the accident Summers was given two years of therapy to gain movement in his legs. After all this, he still wasn’t able to even move his toe.
Then, in 2009 Summers was given a surgery where the doctors placed a device that would electrically provoke the lower spine. The device is supposed to copy the signal that usually comes from the brain. Right when the indication is given to the spine, the patient tries to do something with his legs. In this case, he would attempt to stand up without help. When Summers wants to move his legs, the nerves in the spinal cord work to control the muscle movement. All of this happens without the brain’s contribution.
After a while, however, the brain was able to make some sort of connection with the legs. When Summers wants to move his legs or arms voluntarily, the brain actually gets an input. Researchers aren’t truly sure how this even happened. However, the believe that the electrical stimulation must of turned on the nerve circuits that weren’t damaged by the accident. Another theory they have is that the electrical stimulation created new connections with the injured nerves.
I find this article to be very interesting. It is definitely a medical breakthrough. The fact that a man who couldn’t even move a toe for four years can now walk, is truly amazing. Additionally, through this, scientist learned much more. They learned that even if you are totally paralyzed, there is still some nerve activity. This information is crucial to know if you are treating paralyzed patients. One day, everyone will be able to walk.
Source:
http://www.livescience.com/14245-paralyzed-man-spinal-cord-injury-walks-electrical-stimulation-therapy.html
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