For the first time, researchers have used electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord to immediately restore arm and hand movement in two patients with chronic moderate-to-severe upper limb paresis.
"Stroke is the largest cause of paralysis in the world," with nearly three quarters of patients with stroke experiencing lasting deficits in motor control of their arm and hand, co-senior study author Marco Capogrosso, PhD, assistant professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said during a press briefing.
In this"first-in-human" study, the investigators percutaneously implanted two linear leads in the dorsolateral epidural space targeting neural circuits that control arm and hand muscles in two patients. In both patients, continuous stimulation of the targeted neural circuits led to significant and immediate improvement in arm and hand strength and dexterity. This enabled the patients to perform movements that they couldn't perform without spinal cord stimulation.
The researchers noted, however, that further studies in larger cohorts will be required to validate the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Baby born an orphan under Syria earthquake rubble gets adopted – and renamed after her birth motherThe newborn who was found still attached to her deceased mother underneath the rubble of her family's building after the earthquake in Syria has been adopted – by the uncle who helped save her life.
Read more »
National TikTok trend is sparking thefts of Kias and Hyundais in Philly, and residents are feeling the impactPolice departments nationwide have been attributing the uptick to a TikTok trend called the Kia Boyz Challenge, which explains how to steal Kia or Hyundai models with only a screwdriver and a USB cord.
Read more »
Photos: Massive winter storm takes aim at the Upper MidwestA coast-to-coast winter storm is trucking across the nation, bringing exceptionally heavy snow, blizzard conditions, freezing rain and strong winds.
Read more »
Upper Midwest Braces For Blizzard, Nearly 2 Feet of SnowThe storm began around midday and was to continue through Thursday morning in parts of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph and wind chills tumbling as low as minus 50 degree in some places.
Read more »
At least 8 people treated for minor injuries after school buses collide in Nassau CountyAt least eight people were treated for minor injuries after two school buses collided this morning on Long Island.
Read more »
Ask Amy: Brother should not be a “fixer-upper”Dear Amy: My brother “Bob” has dated his girlfriend “Ainsley” for four years. During this time, she’s asked him to get braces, get LASIK surgery instead of wearing glasses, and to change his …
Read more »