World Health Organization statistics show that 250,000 to 500,0000 people suffer spinal cord injuries every year. Falls, car accidents and violence rob people of their ability to walk, or in some cases, move at all. Today’s blog has some exciting news. Researchers in a US-Brazilian study used virtual reality and a robotic exoskeleton to help people with spinal cord injuries reactivate their damaged spinal nerves. Can these researchers cure paralysis?

How Does This New Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Work?

How does this potential treatment work? Virtual reality and the robotic exoskeleton trick the brain into thinking it is controlling limb movement. Users put on an Oculus (a virtual reality headset), where they control a digital avatar of their legs. The Oculus headset and robotic legs help trick the brain into thinking it is responsible for the movement. Over time, simulated movements help repair damaged spinal nerves, which allows participants to regain some sensation and movement.

Participants were asked to simulate walking by using the robotic exoskeleton and Oculus headset for two hours every day for over a year. One participant regained some leg movement after 13 years of paralysis. Others developed better bladder and bowel functions. The results surprised the lead researchers, who claimed they could never have predicted such an exciting outcome.

Did This Study Cure Paralysis?

There are some downsides to this research. This study did not cure paralysis, it only allowed the restoration of partial sensation and movement. Spinal cord injuries may leave some spinal nerves intact, and these are what researchers are helping rebuild. For some people, the partial restoration of lower leg movement and other functions could still significantly increase their quality of life.

Also keep in mind, this not the only potential treatment being worked on by researchers. Our blog will periodically provide information on new spinal cord injury and brain injury treatments, so be sure to continue following us for future updates.