Spinal Cord Stimulation for Functional Restoration in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Review
摘要
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurologic disorder defined as damage to the spinal cord, often by traumatic etiology, and represents a significant global health burden. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to improve function after SCI. This review aims to evaluate functional outcomes of epidural spinal cord stimulation (eSCS) and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) including volitional upper and lower extremity movement, and cardiac, pulmonary, and genitourinary function in patients with chronic SCI.
Recent FindingsRecent studies demonstrate that both eSCS and tSCS can improve volitional movement, cardiovascular and pulmonary function, and modulate genitourinary and sexual reflexes in individuals with chronic SCI. Combined SCS therapies such as SCS with robotic-assisted training or brain-spine interfacing may further augment neuroplasticity and enhance functional recovery.
SummarySCS shows promise for restoring function and improving quality of life after chronic SCI. Continued optimization of SCS and advances in closed-loop brain-spine systems may transform future rehabilitation for patients with chronic SCI.