The results of a recent study were just published in Nature Medicine, and they are astounding. In 2020, three people facing paralysis after spinal cord injuries (SCI) were able to take their first steps thanks to a revolutionary new spinal cord implant.
According to ScienceAlert, the implant mimics the action of the brain and sends electrical pulses to the muscles. For one man profiled by CNN, this meant he could take his first steps in years. In 2017, the study participant was left completely paralyzed by a complete SCI he received in a motorcycle accident.
In 2020, he began to walk again. With the spinal implant, he can stand at the bar for drinks with friends, take a shower by himself, and even stroll through town with nothing more than a walker. The man can now stand for up to 2 hours and walk for nearly a kilometer without stopping.
All 3 of the study’s participants were able to take steps on a treadmill just 1 day after surgery. Although the first steps required support bars and significant upper body strength, some participants could walk with a walker after 4 months of physical therapy, one could climb stairs, and all have the potential for swimming and other exercises.
Both researchers and participants were emotional about the breakthrough.
What Does This Mean for People with SCIs?
Although neuroscientists have cautioned that the new technology is not “a miracle right away,” one neurosurgeon at Duke told CNN:
“[This] very exciting work gives a new treatment option for tens of thousands of patients that have spinal cord injury and don't really have other options.”
At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we know that many of our clients affected by SCIs would give anything to stand and walk again. Researchers estimate that the new technology could become commercially available within the next 3 to 4 years, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expedited the process.
Of course, accessing experimental treatments like this one can be expensive – even with health insurance coverage.
This is one reason why our team always fights for the maximum compensation for clients with SCIs. We want to make sure you have every resource you need as you attempt to move forward from your accident and injury – and that you can access important, life-changing care in the future.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t settle for anything less than our firm. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients like you, and we are backed by more than 100+ combined years of experience.
Client satisfaction is our main priority, and if you cannot access the care you need, we are not happy, either.
For lawyers who fight for you and your results, please call us at (732) 709-4400 or send us a message online – your future starts with a free consultation.