In a world first, surgeons have used a technique called deep brain stimulation to "re-awaken" dormant nerve fibres in the spinal cord and re-establish control of the leg muscles.

Summary

In a world first, two paralyzed patients regained the ability to walk short distances and climb stairs using deep brain stimulation.

Surgeons implanted electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region newly identified as key to walking, to “re-awaken” dormant spinal nerve fibers.

The breakthrough builds on neuron mapping and previous spinal implant research by Swiss neuroscientists at EPFL.

While movement is limited, the approach shows promise for enhancing recovery when combined with spinal stimulation, offering hope for greater mobility in paralysis patients.