Role of Epidural Electrode Stimulation in Three Patients with Incomplete AIS D Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can severely limit movement and sensation. This study explores whether epidural electrical stimulation (EES) can help patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries regain movement and sensation in their lower limbs. EES involves implanting electrodes near the spinal cord to send electrical impulses, potentially activating neural pathways below the injury site and improving muscle function. The study found that EES improved muscle activity, sensory recovery, and walking ability in the participants, suggesting it could be a valuable tool for rehabilitation.

• 1
  Participants receiving EES significantly increased the muscle activity in most lower limb muscles.
• 2
  One participant achieved a full motor score, whereas the others’ scores increased by 19 and 7 points.
• 3
  Walking symmetry, an important parameter for assessing walking function, improved by 68.7%, 88%, and 77% in the three participants.