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This spinal cord treatment electrically stimulates damaged motor neurons to activate previously paralyzed or incapacitated muscles. The spinal cord is involved in all voluntary and autonomic biological processes, such as digestion, respiration, and walking. In order for these processes to occur, the spinal cord sends electrical signals along motor neurons and nerve fibers to respective muscles groups, resulting in contraction. Traumatic spinal cord injuries or diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause muscle paralysis, a condition resulting in temporary or permanent loss of the stimulation and function of muscle groups. Drug overdose can disrupt the breathing rate by halting diaphragm contraction. Despite the knowledge of these various causes, researchers have yet to develop a successful treatment that restores proper function to paralyzed muscles. As a result, more than 5.4 million people worldwide experience significant decreases in their overall activity and wellbeing due to muscle paralysis.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a minimally-invasive spinal cord treatment that electrically stimulates the spinal cord with subcutaneous electrode placement. Additionally, superficial electrode placement could be possible. This treatment could lead to paralyzed muscles restoration and potentially return operation to muscles required for various bodily functions, such as limb movement and respiration. With the control of previously immobile muscles, patients will have the potential to live healthier and more active lives.
Minimally invasive spinal cord treatment approach that could restore activity to paralyzed muscles through electrical stimulation
This therapy applies electrical signals to the spinal cord to enable control of paralyzed muscles. Two electrodes positioned close to the spinal cord along the vertebrae portion, corresponding to the damaged motor neurons, connect to two separate generators. The electrodes also can be positioned subcutaneously, offering rapid and short-term solutions. Each generator produces a different very high-frequency electrical signal, creating a temporal interference pattern that allows activation of targeted spinal cord neurons. The two high-frequency signals pass easily and harmlessly through the spinal cord, but the positioning of the electrodes cause a collision of the two waveforms in the spinal cord. In this manner, the temporal interference of the two waveforms targets inactive neurons, and excitation of these neurons enables stimulation and control of weakened or paralyzed muscles.
