How did paralyzed patients navigate a world that seemed to exclude them from basic mobility and independence?  Thanks to modern technology, these patients have successfully received the proper treatment that researchers have invented. Recent technology has found an innovative way to assist paralyzed people regain mobility through technology, even though “there is no existing treatment to enable the spinal cord to heal itself,” said Nancy Lapid. To understand the technology behind such an invention, I delved deeper into the program (BMI and electrodes) behind this. 

During my research, I came across 2 notable examples that people have experienced.  Gert-Jan Oskam, 40 years old, was told he would never walk again after breaking his neck in a traffic accident in China. To help with rehabilitation and treatment, a group of Swiss neuroscientists worked on a project called “digital bridge,” a long-running project to create brain-machine interfaces to treat paralysis. The project’s goal is to employ wireless signals to re-establish communication between the brain and muscles that become inactive when spinal cord neurons are severed. This may call for the possibility for people to open a smartphone or talk to a smartwatch, select an activity such as “walking” or “sitting,” and then send a message to an implanted device that will stimulate their nerves and muscles to make the appropriate movements happen. What is more significant about the brain-machine interface (BMI) is its advantageous modifications in the brain’s neural networks, which could result in enhancements to motor function and control. This creates opportunities for neurorehabilitation and recovery that go beyond what can be accomplished with conventional therapy. In addition to the BMI, the readings from the electrodes are transformed into pulses by an algorithm and then delivered to other electrodes in his spine; it may not create a perfect imitation of his abilities prior to his accident, but would still create a natural movement for the patient.

Likewise, a motorcycle accident in 2017 left Michel Roccati paralyzed from the waist down. Fortunately, with the help of electrodes implanted in his spine, he has regained the ability to walk after 4 years. A similarity between Oskam and Roccati’s treatment is that both involve flexible electrodes, which are positioned between the spinal nerves and vertebrae. According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the patient or physician can then command pulses that stimulate the muscles in the trunk and legs. By using electrical stimulation from electrodes, doctors were able to send similar electrical signals to the body that the brain normally would, like “sit,” “stand,” or “walk.”

With such advanced technology, I believe that social and economic benefits would result from the effective treatment of paralysis. It would lower healthcare expenses, lessen the financial burden of providing long-term care for paralyzed people, and perhaps even increase production as more people regain their capacity to work. I look forward to future technology similar to the digital bridge and BMIs and how it will be a game changer to the health industry.

Works Cited

Magazine, Smithsonian. “Spinal Stimulation Device Helps Paralyzed Patients Walk, Cycle and Swim.” Smithsonian.Com, 9 Feb. 2022, www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/spinal-stimulation-device-helps-paralyzed-patients-walk-cycle-and-swim-180979548/.

“Paralysed Man Walks Using Device That Reconnects Brain with Muscles.” The Guardian, 24 May 2023, www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/24/paralysed-man-walks-using-device-that-reconnects-brain-with-muscles.Person, and Ari Rabinovitch Nancy Lapid.

“Nerve-Stimulation Device Helps Paralyzed Patients Walk, Cycle and Swim.” Reuters, 8 Feb. 2022, www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/nerve-stimulation-device-helps-paralyzed-patients-walk-cycle-swim-2022-02-07/.