NEUROSTIMULATION ENABLES PARAPLEGIC PATIENT TO WALK AGAIN: A WORLD-FIRST CASE STUDY

Innovative treatment restores mobility in a patient with a severe conus medullaris injury.

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a 33-year-old man has regained the ability to walk following a severe spinal cord injury, thanks to an advanced neurostimulation technique. This case, documented in a study published in Med by Cell Press, represents the first successful application of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) in a patient with a conus medullaris injury.

The patient, who had been paraplegic for four years due to a traumatic spinal cord injury at the T11-T12 level, underwent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator with 32 electrodes between T11 and L1 vertebrae. This procedure was part of the Neuro-SCS-001 clinical trial, a collaborative effort involving the MINE Lab at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, and bioengineers from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, led by Professor Silvestro Micera.

Following the implantation, the patient participated in a personalized rehabilitation program that included virtual reality exercises and sensory feedback. Within three months, significant improvements were observed: increased hip joint range of motion, enhanced trunk posture control, and greater flexibility. By six months post-implantation, the patient was able to walk autonomously for one kilometer using a walker and braces.

Dr. Luigi Albano, neurochirurgo and lead author of the study, emphasized that this case demonstrates for the first time the effectiveness of EES combined with rehabilitation in restoring motor functions in patients with severe conus medullaris injuries. Beyond motor recovery, the stimulation also led to significant improvements in neuropathic pain and overall quality of life.

Professor Pietro Mortini, Chief of Neurosurgery at IRCCS San Raffaele, noted that the success of this approach offers new hope for patients with severe spinal cord injuries who have experienced prolonged immobility. The integration of advanced neuromodulation techniques with personalized rehabilitation opens possibilities for recoveries previously considered unattainable.

This pioneering treatment not only restores mobility but also enhances the patient’s independence and quality of life, marking a significant advancement in the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Why this matters for medical tourists:

  • Innovative Treatment Options: Access to cutting-edge therapies not widely available elsewhere.

  • Expert Medical Care: Treatment by a multidisciplinary team at a leading research hospital.

  • Personalized Rehabilitation: Tailored programs to maximize recovery outcomes.

  • Advanced Technology: Utilization of state-of-the-art medical devices and techniques.

For international patients seeking advanced treatment for spinal cord injuries, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele offers pioneering therapies and expert care. To learn more about the Neuro-SCS-001 clinical trial and other treatment options, please contact the multidisciplinary team at .

References: Press release

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