Digital implants in the brain and spine has allowed Gert-Jan Oskam to regain control of his legs – a breakthrough that could lead to a cure for spinal cord injuries
Gert-Jan Oskam was in a motorbike accident in his 20s, which left him a paraplegic. Now, at 40 years old, he is walking again thanks to ground breaking scientific research.
In order to walk, the brain needs to send a command to the neurons located at the lumbosacral part (or very bottom) of the spine. A spinal cord injury disrupts the connect between the brain and lumbosacral; thus, the command never reaches the lumbosacral spine.
Often, the neurons remain undamaged during a spinal cord injury. Thus, they can still act on the command if it was received.
Many researchers are trying to find a way to restore the connection. This would allow someone with a spinal cord injury to walk again.
A group of neuroscientists in Switzerland, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, have now managed to “bridge” this paralysis with a brain-spine interface.
Where it started
In 2018, the researchers introduced the Stimulation Movement Overground (STIMO) clinical study, which combines two different treatments: precise epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, and robot- assisted locomotion (walking) training.
The epidural electrical stimulation sends electrical currents to the spine with the help of a little electrode chip implanted in the spine. This is controlled wirelessly with voice control.
Stimulation is then applied during rehabilitation to encourage movement and the reorganising of the nerve circuits in the brain. The aim is to “awaken” the dormant spinal tissue below the level of injury.
Participants of the study had the challenge of coordinating their intention to walk with the electrical stimulation.
The robot-assisted locomotion training allowed them to move freely while preventing falls by supporting their bodyweight as needed.
The success achieved thus far has been incredible with participants walking with their bodyweight supported after only a week.
By the end of the study, the participants could walk more than a kilometre on a treadmill without using their hands for support.
While STIMO seems to be successful and safe, it does have its limitation. The control of walking was not perceived as completely natural, and walking was possible only on flat and obstacle free ground.
The clinical study is still ongoing with final results only expected within another year or two.
Where it’s heading
Recently, the team designed a digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord by implanting two devices that work together to record brain activity and stimulate in the spine.
A special headset detects the brain activity (or thought) and processes it to a computer carried on a backpack. The computer analyses the signals and controls the epidural stimulator.
In simple terms, it means that the person thinks about moving and this stimulates the corresponding muscles immediately.
Not there yet
While this new technology could empower the patient to achieve better mobility, there are still many limitations.
The device needs to be regularly re-calibrated. There are delays in message transmission, operation complications and more.
However, the research remains crucial to getting us closer to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
Both studies were funded by the Wings for Life Foundation – a benefactor of various research projects aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
In May, the Foundation raised €5,8 million (R120 million) through its Wings for Life World Run. All entries and donations from the global event goes towards funding research in search of a cure.
