Medical and technological research and SCI in 2024

Following on from our article last year considering genetically-modified human neural stem cells we take a look at new technological advancements and scientific research in 2024.

Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation

60 individuals participated in a trial called Up-LIFT, that assessed the safety and efficiency of ARCEX Therapy to improve arm and hand functions in people with chronic SCI. The therapy involves the delivery of externally applied electrical stimulation over the cervical spinal cord during structured rehabilitation. The findings were published in May 2024. Of the 60 participants, 72% responded to the therapy with improvements in hands and arms strength and function. There was also improved sensory function and reports of “a decrease in the frequency and severity of muscle spasms, improved sleep quality and reduced pain.” These improvements consequently led to “significant increases in overall wellbeing”.

One of the doctors who led this study said: “This treatment has been proven to be safe and of some benefit to chronic patients. We saw a real improvement in quality of life and, when used alongside traditional therapies, there’s real potential for wider benefits, particularly in the acute phase of spinal cord injury.”

ImPRESS project

It was reported in January 2024 that the London Spinal Injuries Centre, together with University College London, is looking at whether bladder function can be restored through non-invasive spinal cord stimulation. Research will focus on the use of implantable spinal stimulation technology. The technology “will initially be trialled in the hospital with participants who respond well being offered a fully implantable epidural stimulator for use at home alongside a programme of pelvic floor muscle training.”

Microfluidic cell sorter

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology have built a “tiny, low-cost device” they believe could improve the safety of treatments for SCI by preventing tumour-forming cells from entering the body. The device can remove about half of the undifferentiated cells (those that can potentially become tumours).

Neuralink

Neuralink’s website states it “.. is currently seeking people with quadriplegia to participate in a groundbreaking investigational medical device clinical trial for our brain-computer interface…”

On 5 August 2024, the Independent reported “Elon Musk’s Neuralink has implanted a second trial patient with its brain chip, a device designed to give paralysed people the ability to control devices through thought alone.
The chip records brain activity via 1,024 electrodes distributed across 64 flexible leads or “threads”, each thinner than the width of a human hair.

Mr Musk said that the second trial implant in a patient paralysed in a diving accident appeared to have been successful…

Mr Musk also said the first patient implanted with the Neuralink chip, Noland Arbaugh, 29, a quadriplegic paralysed after a diving accident, can play online video games like Mario Kart and Civilization VI..”

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research

Following on from our article last year, Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research describes the following as ongoing research projects:

Neuropathic pain 

Researchers are exploring the effectiveness of cingulotomy. This is “a minimally invasive surgical intervention that is able to locate and target a specific region of the brain with pinpoint accuracy” meaning it can hinder overactive nerve pathways which regulate chronic pain in individuals. 

This project is led by St George's Hospital London and is expected to complete in April 2025.

Assistive technology primarily for upper limb function

A two-year study will test a portable and commercially available exoskeleton on people with incomplete tetraplegia to establish whether the device improves upper limb mobility. It is noted that loss of hand function makes daily tasks difficult, significantly reduces independence, and impacts upon the level of care provided. 

The advantages and limitations of the exoskeleton will be assessed using an intervention group of patients (these will undergo rehabilitation using the exoskeleton in addition to the traditional rehabilitation programme) and a control group of patients (traditional rehabilitation only). 

If it is found the portable exoskeleton improves upper limb mobility this will “offer patients the opportunity to self-manage at home and ease the burden of SCI.”

A further update on Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research will be provided later this year.

The Clyde & Co spinal subject matter group will continue to monitor existing and new studies along with new scientific advancements and developments relevant to SCI patients and claims.