For the first time in nine years, a stroke victim moves her hand

Researchers think that new technologies may provide hope for persons with impairments. With spinal stimulation, a stroke survivor could move her hand and arm for the first time in nine years.

At 22, Heather Rendulic was paralysed on her left side after a stroke in 2012.

New technology was employed by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University in the United States to stimulate her spinal cord in the neck area.

Ms Rendulic, 33, could move a can of soup and even use a knife and fork to cut steak while being stimulated, something she had yet to accomplish in over a decade.

 "Stimulation feels like a tickle, and it's never painful, but it takes some getting used to, I would say." Heather, who resides in the United States, said.

"It's just awesome because I can move my arm and hands in ways I haven't done in almost a decade."

Strokes are estimated to affect 100,000 persons in the United Kingdom each year. Around two-thirds of the 1.2 million survivors cannot return to work due to long-term motor function impacts.

Researchers believe their innovative technology will provide hope to those with problems previously thought to be irreversible.

The study found that the advantages of spinal stimulation can be seen for up to four weeks after the surgery is completed, with no significant adverse effects.

To contact the intact nerve cells, thin metal electrodes, which resemble spaghetti strands, are implanted along the neck.

Additional study participants are needed to help researchers determine which stroke victims may benefit the most.

Latest Posts

News
Meta will launch premium subscriptions on Facebook and Instagram

Meta Verified will allow Facebook and Instagram users to pay to verify their accounts. Meta is piloting a new subscription service called Meta Verified, allowing Facebook and Instagram users to pay to confirm their reports.

News
As the World Cup has begun, Twitter has failed to remove 99% of racist remarks directed against footballers.

Anti-hate speech activists claim that 43 players were the targets of reported posts, which are still up and raising fears about potential abuse during the World Cup.