A paralyzed Superman rose from a wheelchair and walked, during a 2000 Super Bowl commercial. The advertisement drew criticism, because, to some, it promised false hope.
Efforts to restore a break in the nervous system’s neurological wiring with actual, physical wires have since become less crude and more specific. In 2018, a so-called “pacemaker for the brain” was implanted in a patient. This device differentiated itself from its predecessors by sending more targeted stimulations to more specific muscles.The devices continue to get smaller and more specific.
So far, they’ve conducted one set of implants as a proof-of-concept study to restore vision and are aiming for another by the end of the year. Although the study is now focusing on vision, the approach could be applied more widely. Another third showed some improvement — like the return of some sensations, as well as control over bowel and bladder functions. And a third showed no change.
The group is now undergoing a larger study that will include up to 40 patients. Bydon intends to refine their approach and understand how to maximize its efficacy. He suspects that the ability to successfully deliver blood supply to the area they are attempting to repair might help.
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