Treatment of spinal cord injuries with electrical stimulation

What is it about?

Direct current electrical stimulation has been tested as regenerative therapy for spinal cord injuries. Direct current means that long continuous pulses in the range of minutes to hours are applied. The idea is inspired by naturally occurring direct current electric fields that have a role in the development of living organisms. The field of direct current stimulation has stagnated due to technological limitations. Our review shines light on engineering approaches in past studies and recent developments in microfabrication and biomaterial engineering with the aim to support more translational efforts in this promising field.

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Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Spinal cord injury typically causes long-term neurological impairments in humans. In addition to the often permanent loss of motor function and sensation below the levels of the injury it typically involves other medical issues such as loss of bladder and bowel function, chronic wounds, frequent infections and neuropathic pain. New possibilities with bioelectronic medicine have emerged that give hope for better treatment for patients living with spinal cord injury, such as direct current stimulation. Recent developments in microfabrication can overcome prior technological limitations. Implants can be made thin and flexible so that they do not compress the spinal cord. In addition, electrode materials are available which can deliver biocompatible direct current stimulation.

Perspectives