While the world of technology is terrifying it is also extremely helpful. As things become more and more advanced, life really does change in more ways than most people realize.

A surgically implanted nerve stimulation device could end up changing the world for many. While it does come with a lot of training it can help those who have paralysis and struggle to even stand to actually be mobile again. This was developed by researchers from the University of Louisville Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center and the Fraizer Rehabilitation Institute. Their findings truly showed results that were through the roof.

A study in regards to how these implanted devices work was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Those who participated in this study had tried conventional therapies to regain their abilities but had not seen any success. This meaning the implant would be a great form of treatment for those who do not respond to others.

The summary of this study goes as follows:

Persons with motor complete spinal cord injury, signifying no voluntary movement or sphincter function below the level of injury but including retention of some sensation, do not recover independent walking. We tested intense locomotor treadmill training with weight support and simultaneous spinal cord epidural stimulation in four patients 2.5 to 3.3 years after traumatic spinal injury and after failure to improve with locomotor training alone. Two patients, one with damage to the mid-cervical region and one with damage to the high-thoracic region, achieved over-ground walking (not on a treadmill) after 278 sessions of epidural stimulation and gait training over a period of 85 weeks and 81 sessions over a period of 15 weeks, respectively, and all four achieved independent standing and trunk stability. One patient had a hip fracture during training. (Funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02339233.)

For those who might not be aware, there are over a million people in the US that have suffered from spinal cord industries. Those people need things like this in some cases and it can and will make their lives a lot better/easier. People with these kinds of injuries are treated differently. No two spinal injuries are the same and so working through them is a very hard thing.

This device controls their pain and helps them more than words can explain. While it does come with a remote now, in time it will become even more advanced I am sure. While the idea of surgery might be scary for those who are working hard to regain their abilities, so far this one seems well worth it. That being said, it does not work for everyone as mentioned above all injuries are different and things are normally case by case.

These people have benefited so much from this device and in the future may be more will as well. What do you think?

Image via Queen Creek House