2023-07-29 17:28:34
Groundbreaking Neural Bypass Restores Movement and Touch for Paralyzed Patient
Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in New York has achieved a major breakthrough in medical technology. They have successfully developed a neural bypass that connects the brain, spinal cord, and body in an effort to restore movement and the sense of touch for paralyzed patients. Thomas, the first patient to receive this groundbreaking therapy, is already experiencing significant improvements.
Thomas, who was chosen as a participant in 2021, had lost all hope of regaining his ability to move, as promised by the research team. However, after a 15-hour operation in March 2023, which involved placing five delicate electrodes in his brain, Thomas’s life changed dramatically. Neurosurgeon Dr. Ashesh Mehta woke Thomas up during surgery to stimulate the specific parts of his brain responsible for arm movements. Remarkably, Thomas could feel his fingers for the first time in nearly three years.
The neural bypass technology works by transmitting electrical signals from Thomas’s brain to an amplifier on his skull. These signals are then sent through an HDMI cable to a game console nearby. The computer decodes the messages and sends corresponding signals to electrodes placed on Thomas’s skin, which in turn stimulate the necessary muscles for the desired movements. While it requires effort on Thomas’s part to imagine and attempt the movements, the entire process occurs almost in real-time.
Not only has Thomas regained movement, but he has also experienced restored sensations. When he touches an object or person, sensors on his skin send signals to the computer, which communicates with the implanted electrodes in his brain. As a result, Thomas can feel a hand in his own or even sense the touch of a feather on his fingertips. While he describes it as a burst of energy rather than the exact sensation he had before the accident, it is a remarkable advancement.
Scientists at the Feinstein Institutes emphasize the importance of touch in human interaction and daily activities. They explain that an accurate sense of touch is crucial for performing functional tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or holding delicate objects. The ultimate goal is to enable Thomas and similar patients to move and feel without being connected to a computer in a lab setting.
To achieve this, Thomas underwent another operation, and within a few months, he demonstrated the ability to move his arms without computer assistance. He can even describe where on his arm he is being touched, even with his eyes closed. The team also noticed natural movements in his fingers, further highlighting the success of the therapy.
In the long term, researchers hope to expand the application of the neural bypass technology to help individuals with less severe paralysis, such as stroke patients or those who prefer alternative treatment options to brain surgery. If successful, this breakthrough could potentially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
While aware that he still has a long way to go, Thomas remains optimistic and grateful for the progress he has achieved. He humorously remarks, “I can finally scratch my face again when I’m itchy.” This development represents a remarkable advancement in medical technology and brings hope for individuals with paralysis.]
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