As with all types of science, medical science is advancing all the time. While once upon a time, an accident may have resulted in a person never walking again, these days, there is hope for their remobilization. Being paralyzed or partially paralyzed can be extremely isolating and depressing. A once fully independent adult may need to rely on someone to do everything for them. There can be very little privacy living a life like this, and it takes its toll on family members too. But, there have been many and various advances in technology in regard to helping those with no mobility, and today we are going to have a look at a few of those:
Electrical Stimulation
Some gains have been made in re-moving toes and limbs by implating stips of electrodes in paralyzed patients’ spines. It seems that the electrodes go someway in reconnecting the severed message paths between the brain, limbs, and extremities by magnifying the messages being sent. It is a method that may actually restore the damaged nervous system. Something previously thought impossible. This is an extremely hopeful advance and shows the power of electricity in the body. The correct sort of stimulation may be a way to cross over the injury and reopen up the nerve connectivity. Doctors are pleased with the results, but this method is still in its infancy. Patients who are trialing this stimulation are finding that they need assistance in their gait and require physical therapy. But it is a technique that has seen people walk and is improving their strength and endurance.
Exoskeletons
Ever thought the bionic man or woman was merely a thing of fiction. Think again. Scientists have been bust creating an exoskeleton for paralysis, which can be worn by the sufferer. The exoskeleton simply does the job the legs or arms are supposed to do. It offers the user total support and comfort and gives them back a level of freedom they may not have experienced for years. Exoskeletons can be used to reteach a person how to walk if they have been out of action for a long time. It is a totally awe-inspiring technology, giving people back their lives. Robotics is a fantastic way to help people who are suffering from paralysis, and don’t be surprised when you start to see people down the supermarket wearing one.
Cell Transplantation
Scientists are willing to try new and revolutionary techniques to get patients to walk again. None so experimental as cell transplantation. Basically, the patient goes into surgery, and doctors transport nerve cells from one part of the body to the severed spinal cord. This method has proved some success and offers hope for the future.
Brain Implants
Some scientists believe that by implanting a neural prosthetic device into a person’s brain. It is a method that is believed to re-establish the link between the brain and the nervous system. The device attempts to decode messages from the brain and send them artificially in an attempt to get the limbs moving again. Again this brain implant technology is at a early stage, and more work is needed to be done.
