Will Swiss researchers conduct a clinical trial with at least 10 paraplegic patients using DBS by end of 2025?
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Clinical trial registry or publication in a peer-reviewed journal
Swiss Researchers Restore Walking in Paraplegic Patients with Brain Stimulation Targeting Lateral Hypothalamus
Dec 2, 2024, 05:15 PM
Swiss researchers have achieved a groundbreaking medical advancement by enabling two paraplegic patients with partial spinal cord injuries to walk again using deep brain stimulation (DBS). The technique involves implanting electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region not traditionally associated with movement, to stimulate neural activity. This innovative approach has shown promising results, allowing the patients to walk short distances, climb stairs, and improve lower limb movements. The study, published in Nature Medicine, also demonstrated similar recovery outcomes in preclinical models, including mice and rats. These findings highlight the potential of DBS as a transformative therapy for spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
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Cleveland Clinic • 25%
Johns Hopkins Hospital • 25%
Mayo Clinic • 25%
Other • 25%
FDA approval • 25%
Full mobility restoration in a patient • 25%
None of the above • 25%
Widespread clinical trials • 25%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
China • 25%
Other • 25%
United States • 25%
European Union • 25%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
Germany • 25%
Other • 25%
Switzerland • 25%
France • 25%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Improvement in speech • 25%
Restoration of hand movement • 25%
Restoration of leg movement • 25%
Other • 25%
Other • 25%
Nature Medicine • 25%
The Lancet • 25%
New England Journal of Medicine • 25%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
1-2 countries • 25%
More than 10 countries • 25%
6-10 countries • 25%
3-5 countries • 25%
Partial improvement (e.g., short distances) • 25%
Full mobility restoration • 25%
No improvement • 25%
Significant improvement (e.g., walking long distances) • 25%