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Old 05-20-2011, 06:47 AM   #1
monster
I hear them call the tide
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Perpetual Chaos
Posts: 30,852
Paralysed man can walk again

Electrodes implanted in his spine

This is an amazing story of technology and determination. Is the "cure" for paralysis in sight? An outstanding accomplishment.

Quote:
Doctors surgically implanted 16 electrodes into his spine.

Rob trained daily in trying to stand, walk and move his legs, while electrical pulses were sent to the spinal cord.

Within days he was able to stand independently and eventually he could control his legs and step, with assistance, for short periods of time.

"None of us believed it," said Professor Reggie Edgerton, from the University of California. "I was afraid to believe it."

Rob has also regained other functions such as bladder, bowel and blood pressure control
So not just movement but general bodily function is regained. Awesome in the truest sense of that word.

They point out that this is just one person so far, and doesn't mean a cure has been found, but really, so much success with the first case can only be good, can't it?
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