Skip to main content

Reanimate Paralyzed Limbs through Implantable Devices

Within the next decade, individuals suffering from stroke or spinal cord injury can have their mobility restored or improved with the help of a new technology- implantable device. These machines can send out signals between areas of the nervous system or brain that have been disconnected because of injury.

The effort includes researchers from San Diego State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and several other partners. To encourage their efforts and to support development of this technology, the NSF or National Science Foundation has renewed funding for the center. Experts say there is a huge need for developing newer medical devices to assist people with traumatic or progressive neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury or stroke. The aim is to attain proof-of-concept demonstrations in the next five years. This should lay the foundation for eventual clinical devices that are approved by the government.

CSNE was instituted in 2011 with a grant of $18.5 million. Since then, the organization’s interdisciplinary team comprising of engineers, neuroscientists, computer scientists, ethicists, neurosurgeons, and industry partners has been able to come up with 'bi-directional' implantable mechanisms that send information to other areas. These devices decode and record electrical signals that are generated by the brain when an individual forms an intention, for instance, to move a hand for picking a mug. The devices can also transmit the information wirelessly, creating a new pathway (artificial) around the areas of the brain or nervous system that have been damaged.

Apart from this, CSNE is also working towards improving implantable technologies used today, including deep brain stimulators that are used for treating patients with Parkinson's disease. These transport electric pulses across the human brain at an apt frequency which is adjusted by the physician to attain the desired effect. However, this means that the human brain is bombarded constantly by electrical pulses even while the patient is resting. This can cause unwanted side effects and completely drain the battery of the implantable device, requiring recurrent replacement surgeries.

In contrast, industry partners and CSNE researchers are working towards 'closed loop' implantable devices that observe the brain and deliver any electrical stimulation only when it's required.

The funding initiated for CSNE will permit the experts to make progress in closed-loop neural interfaces and will help achieve this ambitious goal. Apart from this, NSF funding will also help the center to further expand its education programs for school teachers, K-12 students, veterans and undergraduates to other partner institutions. 

While the future looks bright for those with mobility impairment, the present is also not gloomy. Non-medical transportation facilities can be used to make travel easier and simpler for people suffering from temporary or permanent mobility impairments. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest