Medicine Milestone reached in the treatment of spinal cord injuries

Scientists from Lausanne have identified a brain region that is crucial for the recovery of walking in mice with spinal cord injuries. This unexpected discovery has led to brain stimulation therapy in humans.

Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne University Hospital Chuv and the University of Lausanne, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, have achieved a new milestone in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, according to a press release issued by these institutions on Monday.

By applying deep brain stimulation to a little-known brain region involved in walking, the lateral hypothalamus, the team improved the recovery of lower limbs in two people with partial spinal cord injuries. This significantly improved their independence and well-being.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established neurosurgical technique in which electrodes are implanted in specific regions of the brain to influence neuronal activity. Traditionally, it has mainly been used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Applying this technique to the lateral hypothalamus to treat partial paralysis is considered an innovative approach. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that brain stimulation not only achieved immediate results in improving walking during rehabilitation, but also long-term improvements.

"I can feel my legs"

After the electrode was attached and the stimulation was performed, the first patient immediately said: "I can feel my legs," reported neurosurgeon Bloch.

Future research will focus on the integration of DBS into other technologies, such as spinal cord implants.

The integration of the two approaches - cerebral and spinal stimulation - will provide a more comprehensive recovery strategy for patients with spinal cord injuries.

SDA