Nerve Stimulation System Helps Paralyzed Patients Practice Walking
In recent years, research on treating complete paralysis due to spinal cord injuries has been significant, but research on treating incomplete paralysis in patients with less-severe injuries or conditions like multiple sclerosis has fallen by the wayside. Now, however, an electrical stimulation system for the nervous system is helping patients with partial paralysis walk and even run, giving them improved health and a new lease on life.
The neurostimulation systems are designed to treat foot drop, a condition that occurs in patients with partially-paralyzed legs, hips, or feet. Foot drop happens when the brain signals the leg to lift up to take a step, but it can only respond partially due to the paralysis. Patients with foot drop often have difficulty walking because the leg and foot don’t lift or move far enough forward for the patient to stay balanced. Falls are common in foot drop patients, which can increase their risk of injury.
The foot drop nerve stimulation systems send electrical messages to the muscles in the hip and thigh, filling in the “information gap” that the paralysis causes between the brain and leg. This makes walking easier for patients. A few have even been able to jog or run while using the device – a level of movement most expected they would never reach again.
If you’ve suffered partial or total paralysis in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation from anyone whose negligence caused your injuries. John Page, a paralysis injury attorney in St. Louis can help. Call us today toll-free at (800) CAR-CRASH for a confidential case evaluation.
