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Implant Restores Paralyzed Man's Leg Movement
cylonlover writes "In a move that gives cautious hope to the millions of people suffering some form of paralysis, a team of researchers from UCLA, Caltech and the University of Louisville has given a man rendered paralyzed from the chest down after a hit-and-run accident in 2006 the ability to stand and take his first tentative steps in four years. The team used a stimulating electrode array implanted into the man's body to provide continual direct electrical stimulation to the lower part of the spinal cord that controls movement of the hips, knees, ankles and toes, to mimic the signals the brain usually sends to initiate movement (abstract)."
A small step for man, a great leap for mankind
While I'm happy that this man is able to regain movement in his leg after such a dreadful accident, this is due to invasive surgery and drugs. He'll be hooked on drugs and connected to machines for life.
If he were to have had Chripractic treatment since his horrific accident in 2006 I would wager that he would have had similar mobility as early as 2008. More, by now (early-mid 2011), he would likely be walking with some assistance. Not quite on the dance floor, but able to move about on his own legs.
Serious spinal injury causes severe, localized subluxations. Left on their own, they will hinder the nerve impulses to the extremeties. Proper treatment from a Chiropractor will break up the subluxations and help the nervous system heal itself. If he were to take all-natural Vitamin D supplements and switch to a high protein vegan diet, his progression would be even faster.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy the man can twitch his toes, but with *proper* care he could have achieved this milestone years ago.
Take care!
Bob
'
Chiropractic Saves Lives!
This is supposed to be the future. It's cool that he can walk and all; but where is the iphone app that will allow me to control his legs over the internet?
Keep it up!
UCLA.
Caltech.
University of Louisiana.
Reports of American research demise seem to be premature (looking at the names the team looks multinational - hard to tell just by a name these days).
I am very small, utmostly microscopic.
We can have another "Artie Can Walk" dream sequence on Glee!
Numerous peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials have found plant-based diets have many benefits, including (but not limited to) reduced risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. I am vegan myself, and I advocate strongly for the diet. (Additionally, I personally consider it essential in achieving my peak athletic fitness.) If you wish to promote this diet and lifestyle, please do not make outlandish claims about what it can do. There is no evidence that plant-based diets will treat nervous or skeletal-muscle system damage. It is no silver bullet, and, if you recast veganism as such, you will hurt the cause.
HOLY SHIT!
while the unchosen continue to be experimented upon. you call this 'weather'?
1) The spinal cord is not simply a transmission mechanism. Primarily, it controls the operation of the lower extremities.
2) The spinal cord requires a minimal 'data feed' to operate - over the spinal cord itself.
To me, this explains much about paralysis and ultimately, how to conquer it. It is interesting that I had never had the idea of the spinal cord being just the 'copper' linking your extremities to your brain corrected at any point in the past.
I also know someone with spina bifida who would benefit from this, if it were possible. Of course, reading about the physical condition and special circumstances of the research volunteer (having feeling below the injury) suggests that this may not be possible.
HBI's Law: Frequency of calling others Nazis is directly correlated with the likelihood of the accuser being Communist.
CBS News has a video report on the subject. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/19/eveningnews/main20064470.shtml
Nice way to work around the problem of the nerves not delivering the message -- add your own communication system. It would be nice if someone figures out how to repair broken links to the spinal cord, but using a different control and communication method is a good way to get some use of that otherwise unused muscle.
Perhaps the spinal cord can be trained to let me Geddan in real time!
The articles says that the spine itself has the neural circuitry to help with balance. That the brain isn't completely necessary. That's f-ing scary. www.awkwardengineer.com
Enough interstellar travel to transport marines, and the hero is wheelchair bound. *sigh*
This explains why House is coming to an end...
Haha, sike! Go Science!
AWESOME! and I heard the California education system was in the toilet.
You mean it's not enough to shot zombies in the head?
On a personal note, I was at Oregon State when Rob Summers was hit, and it was/is completely tragic. I really hope for him that this is as promising as it sounds. He's definitely putting his nickname "Superman" to the test...
Read Dr. Becker's "The Body Electric" for more information on why this works.
Many bodily processes are regulated by DC electrical potentials, including growth and regeneration.
The body is mainly negatively charged in the middle section, and becomes more and more positive as it extends outward towards the limbs.
Dr. Becker was largely ignored for his amazing research which went against the establishment at the time.
Let's just hope this research in Californian universities isn't ignored as well.
Money still, unfortunately, rules the world.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
I know about some stories, such as one where the parents fed their child soy milk and apple juice. That is obviously incompletely. So, please cite your sources. Tell us which story, tell us what the mother was eating, and then tell us what nutrients the nursing child could not get from the breast milk. Meanwhile, please prove that your isolated case applies generally to everyone eating plant-based diets.
Please explain how proper vegan diets are difficult.