STAT

With rehab and a jolt to the spinal cord, paralyzed patients take steps again

Watch: Rehab and the implantation of a device that zaps the spinal cord allowed a small number of patients paralyzed from the waist down to take steps again, researchers reported.

Two research teams reported Monday that three patients paralyzed from the waist down were able to take steps again after weeks of rehabilitation and the implantation of a device that zaps the spinal cord in precise ways, fueling hopes that some sensory and motor function may be regained even when it appears they have been completely lost.

“The fact that at one time, it was thought there would be no motor or sensory function in these patients — what is returning is just extraordinary,” said Peter Wilderotter, CEO

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An Amgen Obesity Drug, A Senate Bill On Shortages, And More
Amgen will no longer develop an early-stage obesity pill, and will instead focus on a more advanced injectable candidate to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About AstraZeneca CEO Pay, Alternatives To WuXi And More
And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans.…
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About FTC Fighting ‘Junk’ Patents, Pfizer Direct-to-consumer Plans, And More
The FTC expanded its campaign against pharmaceutical companies for filing what it calls “junk” patent listings for 20 different brand-name treatments.

Related Books & Audiobooks