Breakthroughs in spinal cord stimulator implants

Advances in spinal cord injury research continue to bring new hope to people living with paralysis. Over the past decade, scientists around the world have been exploring how spinal cord stimulator implants could help to restore movement and sensation to people with severe spinal injuries. 

The idea behind this technology is to reawaken the body’s natural communication system. After a spinal cord injury, the brain’s electrical signals can’t always reach the nerves below the point of damage. By using targeted electrical impulses, a spinal cord implant can help bridge that communication gap. 

Research into this technology has gained momentum in recent years, with clinical studies taking place in the United States, Switzerland, and the UK. Many of these trials have shown that even years after injury, patients may regain partial movement, improved balance, or better control over muscles below the site of their injury. 

One of the most widely-regarded examples of this progress came from researchers at the University of Louisville in the United States, whose pioneering clinical trial into spinal implants achieved remarkable results. 

The Louisville breakthrough in spinal cord damage treatment

Researchers at the University of Louisville undertook a study to establish whether a spinal cord stimulator implant could help five paralysed patients regain some movement in their legs. 

The group who took part in the trial were paraplegic patients, and after the electrode was implanted into their lower back to electrically stimulate their spinal cords, they were all able to take steps.

The approach, known as epidural stimulation, worked on the principle that there are still some small signals from the brain that cross the site of the spinal cord injury, even though these are not enough on their own to generate voluntary movement.

Epidural stimulation was originally developed many years ago for pain control, and it is thought that when it is turned on, the electrical stimulation makes the spinal cord more alert. None of the people in the study were able to achieve such actions when the stimulator was turned off.

While the sample size for this study was only small, if the research continues to make positive strides, then this could be life changing for some of the customers we deal with at Fletchers.

Caroline Morris, Senior Fee Earner in the Serious Injury team at Fletchers Solicitors, said: “It is obviously great news that advances are being made in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. However, we would urge caution as this is still very much at the trial stage and while it will no doubt have made a huge difference to the lives of those people, we don’t know enough about it yet and how widely it will be rolled out.

“If the trials continue, and it can be seen to be a success then it will make a change to people’s lives that is difficult to describe. We deal with customers who have led active lives and then they suffer life changing injuries and in many cases are told that they will never walk again. To hear that there could be hope is incredible and we welcome all further research.”

The study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine.

What this means for the future of spinal cord injury recovery

While this study took place several years ago, it remains a defining moment in the field of neurorehabilitation. The study demonstrated that with epidural stimulation, people with severe spinal injuries could take assisted steps again for the first time. 

Since this study was completed, there have been several other studies in this field with promising results. Similar research projects are currently taking place all over the world, each testing whether electrical stimulation can be combined with regenerative therapies to further improve outcomes.

What is a spinal cord stimulation implant?

A spinal cord stimulation implant, sometimes called an epidural stimulator, is a small electronic device designed to help manage pain or restore movement after a spinal cord injury. 

How does epidural stimulation work?

Epidural stimulation involves implanting a small electrode device onto the lower part of the spinal cord. The implant works by delivering mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord through electrodes placed near the affected area. These electrical signals stimulate nerve cells below the site of the injury, helping to ‘reactivate’ communication between the brain and body. 

Although the brain’s communication with these pathways may be limited after a spinal cord injury, epidural spinal cord stimulation helps to reignite the neural circuits, allowing some voluntary movement to return. Patients will also undergo extensive physiotherapy to retrain their muscles and coordination alongside the implant.

Current treatment options for spinal cord injuries

There is still no complete cure for spinal cord injuries, but treatment and rehabilitation have advanced significantly in recent years. Early intervention, modern technology, and coordinated care can make a huge difference to recovery and long-term independence for those living with a spinal cord injury. 

Emergency and early medical care

Immediately after a spinal injury, the first priority is stabilising the spine and preventing further damage. This usually involves immobilising the patient, reducing swelling around the spinal cord with medication, and in some cases, emergency surgery to remove bone fragments or relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery. It focuses on helping patients regain as much movement and independence as possible, while preventing secondary complications. Therapies can include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and cognitive therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Robot-assisted exercices

Assistive technology and adaptive equipment

Technology now plays a major role in supporting people with spinal injuries. The most common options include:

• Wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Environmental control systems
• Robotic exoskeletons
• Functional electrical stimulation devices

Spinal cord stimulation and emerging therapies

As we’ve discussed, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most exciting areas of current research. Using implanted electrodes, SCS can help re-establish communication between the brain and the body below the level of injury. 

In addition to epidural stimulation, scientists are also investigating:

• Stem cell therapy
• Regenerative medicine
• Gene therapy

Ongoing support and long-term care

Recovery from a spinal injury doesn’t end after medical treatment. Many people require ongoing assistance, home adaptations, or specialist equipment. 

If you are eligible, spinal injury compensation may help you fund long-term care, physiotherapy, or the technology you need to maintain independence.

At Fletchers Solicitors we specialise in serious injury and motorcycle accident claims, so we work with a lot of customers who have suffered spinal cord injuries. 

Reach out to our team to find out if you could make a claim