Brain Stimulation Helps Spinal Injury Patients Walk Again, Study Reveals

Breakthrough Treatment Lets Patients Conquer Stairs and Regain Independence

Swiss scientists have unlocked a game-changing method to help spinal injury patients walk again—by zapping a specific brain region with electricity. The technique, tested on patients with partial spinal cord damage, uses deep brain stimulation to 'rewire' neural pathways, supercharging mobility and confidence.

One patient, Wolfgang Jaeger, 54, told researchers he could tackle stairs solo for the first time after treatment. \"It's a great feeling when you don't have to rely on others all the time,\" he said in a video shared with the study published in Nature Medicine.

How It Works: Hypothalamus Holds the Key

The team mapped brain activity in spinal-injured mice and discovered recovery signals centered in the lateral hypothalamus—an area linked to motivation and movement. By implanting electrodes here (similar to Parkinson's treatments), they amplified signals to bypass damaged spinal connections.

\"When we turned up the current, patients felt an immediate urge to walk,\" said neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch. Early human trials showed patients improving even WITHOUT the device after months of rehab.

Not a Magic Fix—But a Major Leap Forward

While excitement builds, researchers caution the tech won't work for everyone. It depends on residual brain-spine signals and requires surgery. Still, combining this with spinal stimulation could unlock new recovery horizons.

\"This isn't sci-fi anymore,\" said lead scientist Gregoire Courtine. \"We're seeing real people regain what they thought was lost forever.\"

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Brain stimulation can help injured people walk, study finds

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