Neuroprosthetic technology for individuals with spinal cord injury

Neuroprostheses are devices that interface with the nervous system using electrodes, aiming to restore function lost due to spinal cord injury (SCI). They can stimulate muscles, nerves, the spinal cord, or the brain to restore motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Restoration of arm and hand function is the top priority for individuals with tetraplegia, while bladder and bowel function and sexual function are also very important. The review discusses various neuroprostheses, including functional electrical stimulators, epidural and intraspinal microstimulation, bladder neuroprostheses, and cortical stimulation for restoring sensation.

• 1
  Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore movement, but muscle changes after SCI pose challenges, requiring training to improve fatigue resistance.
• 2
  Direct spinal cord stimulation, including epidural and intraspinal microstimulation, shows potential for restoring locomotion by capitalizing on spared spinal circuitry.
• 3
  Bladder neuroprostheses can improve bladder control, but often come with undesirable side effects, making it critical to consider potential side effects when choosing a device.