This time, scientists established anatomical and functional mapping of the entire brain to establish the role of different regions in walking. They then identified the lateral hypothalamus, a part more often associated with wakefulness and eating. Conclusive animal experiments have led to clinical trials and the application of DBS on human participants.
“I feel my legs”
Neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch, who carried out the first surgical procedure, says: “once the electrode was in place and the stimulation was carried out, the first patient immediately said: ‘I can feel my legs’. When we increased the stimulation, she said, ‘I want to walk.’ This real-time feedback confirmed that we had targeted the correct region, although it has never been associated with leg control in humans. At that moment, I knew we were witnessing a major discovery in the anatomical organization of brain function. »
And the results are most promising. Not only do they show immediate improvements, but also lasting benefits, even after the stimulation stops.
Researchers are now considering combining this technique with spinal cord implants. “The integration of our two approaches – brain and spinal stimulation – will offer a more complete recovery strategy for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries,” says Grégoire Courtine, professor of Neurosciences at EPFL and CHUV.
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