In a significant medical breakthrough at the University of Cambridge, a new electronic device has been developed, promising a revolutionary treatment for spinal cord injuries. The device is designed to wrap around the spinal cord, enabling 360-degree recording and stimulation without the need for brain surgery or invasive spinal procedures.
Engineers, neuroscientists, and surgeons from Cambridge collaborated to create this innovative technology, capable of capturing complete nerve signal activity between the brain and the spinal cord. This advancement has shown promising results in animal testing and human cadaver models, demonstrating potential in limb movement stimulation and the ability to bypass severed connections caused by complete spinal injuries.
The current treatment for such injuries often involves high-risk surgeries, with electrodes piercing the spinal cord and additional implants in the brain. The new Cambridge creation, however, may eliminate the need for these dangerous procedures, significantly reducing patient risks.
Although full-fledged treatments may still be some years into the future, the devices have immediate applications, particularly in monitoring spinal cord activity during surgeries. Improved understanding of spinal cord functions can open doors to innovative treatments for various conditions, such as chronic pain, hypertension, and inflammation, as outlined in the journal Science Advances.
Source: News-Medical.Net