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Brain–spine interface allows paralysed man to walk using his thoughts

The device provides a connection between the brain and spinal cord, allowing thought to control movement.
  1. Dyani Lewis
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Twelve years ago, a cycling accident left Gert-Jan Oskam, now 40, with paralysed legs and partially paralysed arms, after his spinal cord was damaged in his neck. But these days, Oskam is back on his feet and walking, thanks to a device that creates a ‘digital bridge’ between his brain and the nerves below his injury1.

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Nature 618, 18 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-01728-0

Read the related Clinical Briefing: A digital bridge between brain and spinal cord restores walking after paralysis

References

  1. Lorach, H. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06094-5 (2023).

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  2. Wagner, F. B. et al. Nature 563, 65–71 (2018).

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