AI technology restores mobility and sensitivity to a paralyzed man

A combination of brain implants, artificial intelligence and electrical stimulation developed by a team of researchers, engineers and surgeons restored hand movements and sensitivity of a person with paralysis of the lower extremities. This double neural bypass technology will help other people suffering from movement disorders or paralysis in the future, the creators hope.

The patient was Keith Thomas, an American who in 2020 injured his 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae after an unsuccessful jump into the pool. Because of this, his body was paralyzed from the chest down, but thanks to experimental treatment, he was able to feel his sister holding his hand for the first time in three years.

To achieve this, the scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to create a map of Thomas' brain. This made it possible to determine the zones responsible for the movement of the hands and the sensation of touch in the hand. This was followed by a 15-hour open-brain surgery during which implants were placed. During this time, the patient was conscious and answered the doctors' questions to help them find the right places to place the electrodes.

As a result, the surgeons installed two electrodes in the zone responsible for movement, and three in the zones responsible for the sensitivity of the palm and fingers. The next step was to set up the microchips so Thomas could control them. To do this, two blocks on the patient's head were connected to a computer and a neural network was trained to interpret and translate Thomas' thoughts into actions.

Now, when Thomas thinks about clenching his hand into a fist, his brain's electrical signals decipher computer and sends the necessary signals to non-invasive patches located on the skin above the spine and muscles forearm. This forces the hand to make the desired movement.

The future of technology

It is noted that this is the first time that the brain, body and spine are electrically connected to restore movement and sensation to a paralyzed person.

Previously, a single neural bypass approach was used, which also proved to be effective. To perform it, one or more microchips are implanted into the brain, and then the injured spinal cord is completely bypassed, immediately activating the target muscles. However, in this case, the patient can move only when connected to a computer, and often only in laboratory conditions: there was no talk of returning to normal life.

The double neural bypass technology is more advanced. Scientists believe that it will force the brain, body and spinal cord to form new connections, bypassing the damaged area so that the patient eventually regains lost functions and can move and feel without being connected to computer.

Since the testing began, Thomas' arm strength has doubled, and sensation has begun to return to his forearms and wrists, even when not connected to the system. This gives hope that in the future he will be able to move his arms and feel touch without assistance.