In a remarkable scientific advancement, two patients with spinal cord injuries have experienced improved mobility thanks to deep brain stimulation (DBS). This innovative therapy targets an area of the brain typically not associated with motor functions. DBS involves the surgical implantation of electrodes into specific brain regions, which can be activated to stimulate certain neurons. This technique has proven effective in treating neurological disorders such as depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and anorexia.
Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University Hospital of Lausanne surgically implanted electrodes into the lateral hypothalamus of two individuals with partial paralysis to restore leg movement. Remarkably, the patients were fully conscious during the procedure. Once the electrode was in place and stimulation commenced, the first patient immediately reported, “I can feel my legs.” As stimulation increased, he expressed, “I feel the urge to walk.”
The second patient, Wolfgang Jäger, a 54-year-old man from Austria, has been wheelchair-bound since a spinal injury in 2006. Since the procedure, he has required less assistance. During rehabilitation, the activation of deep brain stimulation led to immediate improvements in mobility; patients were able to walk and even climb stairs with less help than usual. Importantly, these enhancements persisted even after the stimulation was turned off.
A fascinating aspect of this study is that the brain region targeted by the team was previously unknown to be linked to motor capabilities. The lateral hypothalamus is more closely associated with feeding, energy intake, and reward behavior.
Studies on mice and rats with partial spinal injuries have shown that stimulating these neurons improved their ability to walk, paving the way for current human trials. While no adverse side effects have been reported, the team asserts that further testing will be necessary to ensure the technique's safety and efficacy. This groundbreaking research was published in the journal Nature Medicine on December 10, 2024.