This electrode-based device helps to restore movement after paralysis

Most spinal cord injuries do not directly affect these neurons, but they are capable of disrupting the "descending pathways" that allow brain-derived signals to reach these neurons. 

This new brain-spine interface (BSI) device, according to the study, "consists of fully implanted recording and stimulation systems." 

The electrode-based device is made up of several components that allow for the recovery of leg movements, such as a processing unit to predict movement intention and a pulse generator for simulation. The device is implanted in the cortical region of the brain. This part of the brain converts movement instructions into nerve signals.  

“To establish this digital bridge, we integrated two fully implanted systems that enable recording of cortical activity and stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord wirelessly and in real-time,” noted the research paper published in the journal Nature.

According to the authors, the device worked to re-establish the brain-spine interface in a patient with chronic tetraplegia (upper and lower body paralysis).

The device aids in the neurorehabilitation of the damaged pathway. After using this BSI device for over a year, the patient regained natural control of their legs' movements, allowing them to stand, walk with crutches, climb stairs, and even walk across difficult surfaces. 

As per the official release, “the findings establish a framework to restore the natural control of movement after paralysis.”

The study is led by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland.

Study abstract:

A spinal cord injury interrupts the communication between the brain and the region of the spinal cord that produces walking, leading to paralysis1,2. Here, we restored this communication with a digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord that enabled an individual with chronic tetraplegia to stand and walk naturally in community settings. This brain–spine interface (BSI) consists of fully implanted recording and stimulation systems that establish a direct link between cortical signals3 and the analogue modulation of epidural electrical stimulation targeting the spinal cord regions involved in the production of walking4–6. A highly reliable BSI is calibrated within a few minutes. This reliability has remained stable over one year, including during independent use at home. The participant reports that the BSI enables natural control over the movements of his legs to stand, walk, climb stairs and even traverse complex terrains. Moreover, neurorehabilitation supported by the BSI improved neurological recovery. The participant regained the ability to walk with crutches overground even when the BSI was switched off. This digital bridge establishes a framework to restore natural control of movement after paralysis.