Experimental Spinal Implant Helps Man with Parkinson’s Walk Smoothly
Imagine being able to walk smoothly and navigate terrain without falling, even with advanced Parkinson’s disease. That’s exactly what one man has been able to do thanks to a highly experimental implant that delivers electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. Developed by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), this groundbreaking technology has significantly improved mobility for the man, and the effects have lasted for two years.
A Promising Breakthrough, but More Research Needed
While this is undoubtedly an exciting development, it’s important to note that the treatment has only been tested on one individual so far. Therefore, it remains unclear whether this approach will work for other people with Parkinson’s disease. To determine its effectiveness on a larger scale, researchers emphasize the need for randomized, controlled trials.
An Alternative Approach to Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation, which involves delivering electrical pulses to specific regions of the spinal cord, has been used experimentally to help people with spinal cord injuries regain mobility. However, the results for people with Parkinson’s have been inconsistent. The EPFL researchers took a different approach by implanting the neuroprosthesis in the lower back, over the lumbosacral spinal cord. This targeted stimulation activates the network of neurons between the spinal cord and leg muscles, addressing the specific walking deficits and patterns of the individual.
Larger Studies Needed to Confirm Efficacy
While the initial results are promising, more data is needed to determine whether this approach is superior to current standard treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Previous studies on spinal cord stimulation have been limited in size, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. To address this, the EPFL researchers plan to conduct further studies involving six more people with Parkinson’s next year.
Improved Quality of Life for the Participant
The participant in the study, Marc Gauthier, has experienced a significant improvement in his quality of life. Before the procedure, he faced challenges such as freezing of gait, which caused him to fall multiple times a day and limited his ability to go out. Now, he no longer experiences freezing of gait and can walk more confidently. Gauthier, who previously worked as an architect and served as the mayor of his town, had previously undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) but still struggled with gait issues. The combination of spinal stimulation and DBS proved to be the most effective for him.
Photo: Freepik.com
