A man paralyzed by a biking accident has been in therapy to try and walk with middling success. Until a new technology has allowed his brain to reconnect with his lower spine. Through an amazing experimental operation that uses Bluetooth/infrared wireless to bridge the gap between his severed neural connections. Gert Jan-Oskam was able to have mobility in his lower extremities and walk within only a few minutes of trying this breakthrough procedure. Something that holds a lot of promise for those suffering from paralysis!
Oskam underwent a surgical procedure that inserted electrodes into his brain and lower spine. Wearing a headpiece that registers the electrical impulses to his brain, those impulses are sent to a small computer in a backpack. The computer then sends that signal to the electrodes of his spine via Bluetooth. The electrodes in his spine then activate the nerves in his hips and legs. Though it’s an experimental procedure, the quick results are incredible.
Even more incredible is that this seems to be somehow bridging the gap between Oskam’s damaged nerves. After a year using the apparatus, he can now walk with crutches for a short distance. Even when the device is powered down. From a neurological perspective, this is amazing. It’s as though this procedure is training Oskam’s brain to find a workaround to communicate with his paralyzed legs. This could mean a significant breakthrough in treating traumatic injuries. Patients told they may never walk or move again could be getting a new lease on life. The Swiss scientists and neuroscientists responsible for the device’s creation say it’s an amazing first step. They already plan to downsize the apparatus to make it more wearable.
