Title
Restoring Movement in Paralysis with a Bioelectronic Neural Bypass Approach: Current State and Future Directions.
Publication Date
2019
Journal Title
Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine is a rapidly growing field that explores targeted neuromodulation in new treatment options addressing both disease and injury. New bioelectronic methods are being developed to monitor and modulate neural activity directly. The therapeutic benefit of these approaches has been validated in recent clinical studies in various conditions, including paralysis. By using decoding and modulation strategies together, it is possible to restore lost function to those living with paralysis and other debilitating conditions by interpreting and rerouting signals around the affected portion of the nervous system. This, in effect, creates a bioelectronic "neural bypass" to serve the function of the damaged/degenerated network. By learning the language of neurons and using neural interface technology to tap into critical networks, new approaches to repairing or restoring function in areas impacted by disease or injury may become a reality.
Volume Number
9
Issue Number
11
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Molecular Medicine
PMID
DOI
10.1101/cshperspect.a034306