In the face of adversity and unprecedented challenges, the human spirit, combined with technological advancements, can work wonders. This sentiment is perfectly embodied in the extraordinary story of Gert-Jan Oskam, who is reclaiming his mobility after a life-altering cycling accident over a decade ago.
Oskam was left paralysed due to a spinal cord injury from the accident. However, he is now up on his feet and walking again, all thanks to a groundbreaking brain-spine interface (BSI) invented by a group of Swiss neuroscientists.
Walking, an activity that many of us take for granted, necessitates a complex interplay between the brain and the spinal cord. The brain sends commands to specific regions of the spinal cord which control movement. However, when someone suffers a spinal cord injury, this vital communication pathway is severed.
Seeking to resolve this problem, the neuroscientists, led by Professor Grégoire Courtine, envisioned a “digital bridge.” This bridge is a pioneering form of electric communication that connects the brain with the remaining functional regions of the spinal cord.
Their innovative solution involved developing a wireless interface using brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This technology enabled Oskam to transform his thoughts into actions. As a result, he can now walk, stand, and even climb stairs naturally, guided solely by his thoughts.
The process involves two electronic implants that are inserted into the brain to detect neural activity when Oskam intends to move his legs. The detected signals are then relayed to a processing unit that Oskam wears in a backpack. These signals are then deciphered by a custom-made algorithm and subsequently sent as commands to another implant in the spinal cord that controls leg movement. The implant acts as a neurostimulator, activating the muscles to initiate movement.
The implementation of this technology was not an overnight success. Oskam underwent two surgeries and approximately 40 rehabilitation sessions to regain voluntary control of his legs. Nevertheless, he noticed considerable improvements rather quickly, remarking that he was able to control his hips within minutes after just two days.
Interestingly, Oskam has also gained the ability to walk short distances without the device with the aid of crutches. The research team believes that the device has not only amplified his sensory and motor perceptions but also stimulated the development of new nerve connections.
This monumental achievement does not stop with Oskam. The Swiss research team is presently working on recruiting three additional participants to explore whether a similar BSI device could restore arm movement. They are hopeful that the technology could provide promising outcomes for individuals suffering from paralysis due to stroke.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), along with associated companies ONWARD medical and CEA, have secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to commercialize the technology, bringing hope to countless others around the globe.
