Man with spinal cord injury walks again with pioneering brain technology
- Sep 28, 2015
- EmmaArnold
A ground-breaking treatment in spinal cord injury has been revealed which has enabled a paralysed man to walk.
The man, paralysed from the waist down, was told he was unlikely to ever walk again after his accident five years ago which damaged his spinal cord.
Researchers in America used a device that sends electrical activity from his brain to his knees by fitting him with a cap to monitor electrical signals around the brain.
They then applied electrodes to his knees to receive these signals whilst his weight was supported in a body sling.
The 26-year-old man was able to walk over 3 metres which is thought to be the first time someone with a spinal cord injury has taken steps using their brain control and leg muscles.
Helen Shaw, Senior Litigation Manager at PotterReesDolan, said:
This is really interesting but the research is likely to be at a very early stage at present.
