Chennai: Doctors at MGM Healthcare have used spinal cord stimulation to help a 30-year-old auto driver from Vellore regain the ability to move his hands after a road accident left him with a severe spinal cord injury.The patient suffered paralysis of both legs and severely restricted hand movement below the elbows following the accident that occurred a year ago.Doctors said he had an ASIA Grade B spinal cord injury, a serious condition in which sensation is retained below the level of injury, but normal motor function is largely absent.Doctors performed a spinal cord stimulation electrode implantation on the patient. “The procedure involves placing small electrodes near the spinal cord to deliver controlled electrical impulses, which help modulate spinal activity and support the recovery of movement and function,” said Dr Roopesh Kumar, director of neurosurgery.“The placement was aimed at targeting the area associated with the patient’s impaired hand and upper-limb function,” he added.Following the procedure, the patient showed gradual improvement in hand muscle strength. Doctors said he has recorded a one-grade improvement in distal hand power over six months. His neurological recovery is expected to take another year and a half.“The electrodes will require regular programming along the way as his neurological function improves. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation will remain an important part of his recovery,” said Dr Ajinkya Rewatkar, consultant neurosurgeon.
