Brain-Spine Interface Enables Paralyzed Man to Walk Using His Thoughts
Mind-reading AI technology reconnects the brain and spinal cord, giving hope to individuals with spinal cord injuries
A remarkable breakthrough in the field of neurotechnology has provided renewed hope for individuals living with paralysis. Gert-Jan Oskam, a Dutch engineer who was left paralyzed 12 years ago following a devastating bike crash, can now stand, walk, and even climb stairs thanks to a groundbreaking “digital bridge” created by scientists. The innovative technology, powered by mind-reading artificial intelligence, effectively restores the lost connection between Oskam’s brain and spinal cord, revolutionizing his mobility and transforming his life.
The digital bridge utilizes a set of 16 electrodes strategically placed to stimulate nerves in real-time as Oskam thinks about moving his legs. This cutting-edge approach enables his brain signals to bypass the damaged spinal cord and directly control his leg movements. Incredibly, even when the digital bridge is turned off, Oskam has demonstrated motor skills, indicating the development of new nerve connections.
To implement this groundbreaking solution, Gert-Jan Oskam underwent two surgeries to implant electrodes in his brain and spinal cord. Coupled with a specialized headset and computerized backpack, the system leverages artificial intelligence to translate his thoughts of movement into actionable commands, creating a direct link between the relevant regions of his brain and spinal cord responsible for walking.
Elated by his newfound abilities, Oskam shared his excitement: “For the first time after more than ten years, I was able to stand up and have a beer with some of my friends, so that was pretty cool.” The work that has transformed his life was carried out by neuroscientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, led by Professor Gregoire Courtine.
Professor Courtine explained the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “For the first time, this digital bridge bypasses an injury, restoring the communication between two regions of the central nervous system that are disconnected. We observed a digital repair of the spine.” This milestone achievement opens up new possibilities for individuals with spinal cord injuries and offers hope for their recovery and rehabilitation.
The brain-spine interface device has been lauded for its ability to establish a connection between the brain and spinal cord, granting individuals the power to control movement through their thoughts. The system builds upon previous work by Professor Courtine and his team, who demonstrated in 2018 that electrical pulses delivered to the lower spine, in conjunction with intensive training, can assist individuals with spinal cord injuries in regaining the ability to walk.
Gert-Jan Oskam, who had previously participated in this trial, experienced remarkable progress with the new brain-spine interface. By integrating the existing spinal implant with two disc-shaped implants placed against the brain’s outer layer, the cortex, Oskam’s intentions to walk are detected as electrical activity. This information is then wirelessly transmitted to a computer in his backpack, which decodes the signals and relays them to the spinal pulse generator.
The previous device primarily employed pre-programmed stimulation to generate robotic stepping movements. However, the new brain-spine interface empowers Oskam to have full control over the stimulation parameters, enabling him to start, stop, walk, and even climb stairs with conscious intent. This level of control signifies a significant advancement in the field, giving individuals like Gert-Jan Oskam greater independence and autonomy.
After undergoing approximately 40 rehabilitation sessions with the brain-spine interface, Oskam regained the ability to voluntarily move his legs and feet. Remarkably, this type of voluntary movement was not achievable through spinal stimulation alone, suggesting that the training sessions with the new device prompted further recovery in nerve cells that
were not completely severed during his injury. The progress made by Gert-Jan Oskam offers hope for individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries, as it demonstrates that even long-term injuries can potentially witness healing and functional improvements.
Neuroscientists worldwide are optimistic about the implications of this breakthrough. Bruce Harland, a neuroscientist at the University of Auckland, emphasized the significance of continued improvement in spinal function, stating, “There’s still a few different ways that healing could happen, even if it’s a longer-term chronic injury.” The success achieved through the brain-spine interface is undoubtedly a significant leap towards enhancing the functionality of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Neuroscientist Anna Leonard from the University of Adelaide also praised the advancement, highlighting the potential for additional interventions such as stem cell research to further enhance outcomes. Leonard emphasized that while the brain-spine interface primarily restores walking ability, there are still opportunities for research in other areas such as bladder and bowel control, aiming to improve overall outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
While the current brain-spine interface technology has proved to be life-changing for Gert-Jan Oskam and others, some experts recognize the need for less invasive devices. Antonio Lauto, a biomedical engineer at Western Sydney University, Australia, highlighted the importance of minimizing the risk of infection or complications associated with implantable devices. Despite the potential risks, Jocelyne Bloch, the neurosurgeon who implanted the device, stressed that the benefits far outweigh the minimal risks involved.
The breakthrough achieved by Professor Courtine and his team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne signifies a significant stride forward in the realm of neurotechnology. Their pioneering work demonstrates the power of mind-reading AI and its potential to restore mobility and function to individuals with spinal cord injuries. The brain-spine interface opens up a world of possibilities for those who have longed for the chance to walk again, igniting a renewed sense of hope and optimism within the medical community and individuals affected by paralysis.
As research in this field continues, scientists and engineers are dedicated to refining and expanding the capabilities of the brain-spine interface, aiming to improve the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. With each breakthrough, the vision of a future where paralysis is no longer a permanent condition draws closer, promising a new era of possibilities and opportunities for those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Switzerland’s commitment to innovation and investment in research and education, as demonstrated by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, reaffirms its position as a global leader in scientific advancement. The groundbreaking work carried out by Professor Courtine and his team exemplifies the nation’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, offering hope and transforming lives in the process.
