Imagine a world where paralysis is no longer a life sentence. Well, that world may be closer than we think. In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully linked the brain, body, and spinal cord of a paralyzed individual using electronic technology, restoring movement and sensation.
Chad Bouton, the mastermind behind this incredible breakthrough, explains, “When the study participant thinks about moving his arm or hand, we ‘supercharge’ his spinal cord and stimulate his brain and muscles to help rebuild connections, provide sensory feedback, and promote recovery. This type of thought-driven therapy is a game-changer. Our goal is to use this technology one day to give people living with paralysis the ability to live fuller, more independent lives.”
One person who has experienced the life-changing effects of this technology is Keith Thomas. Since a diving accident in July 2020 left him with quadriplegia, Keith has been unable to move or feel his hands and wrists. However, thanks to a novel brain implant, he can now regain control and sensation in his hands and wrists for the first time since the accident.
The implant, consisting of five tiny microchips inserted directly into the brain, acts as a double neural bypass. It reconnects Keith’s brain, spinal cord, and body, allowing information to flow freely once again. This remarkable achievement required a 15-hour open-brain surgery, which took place on March 9, 2023.
Not only does the implant restore movement and sensation, but it also offers hope for overcoming physical injuries and diseases. By bypassing the damaged nervous system, the implant encourages the formation of new neural pathways. This bioelectric medicine has the potential to revolutionize the field, offering an alternative to pharmaceuticals with unwanted side effects.
Dr. Kevin Tracey, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes, expresses his excitement about this breakthrough, stating, “Millions of people live with paralysis and loss of feeling, with limited options available to improve their condition. Prof. Bouton and his team are committed to advancing new bioelectronic technologies and opening new clinical paths to restore movement and sensation.”
