Patients who have lost the use of their hands and arms following a stroke or traumatic brain injury may find hope in a new study demonstrating the potential of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to restore some motor function. The research, published in Nature Communications, explores the use of electrical impulses delivered to specific brain areas to improve upper-limb movement.
DBS, commonly used for movement control problems in Parkinson's disease, involves surgically implanting electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to targeted brain regions. This study focused on stimulating the motor thalamus, a key hub for movement control deep within the brain.
Improved Motor Function with DBS
The research team, led by Elvira Pirondini from the University of Pittsburgh, initially tested DBS in monkeys, whose brain structures have similar links between the motor cortex and muscles as humans. The results showed significantly better muscle activation and grip strength as soon as the stimulation was activated, with no involuntary movements observed.
Following the successful animal trials, the procedure was replicated in a human volunteer already scheduled for DBS implantation to alleviate arm tremors caused by a brain injury that had severely paralyzed both arms. Similar to the results in monkeys, the human participant experienced immediate improvements in range and strength of motion upon stimulation. The participant could lift a moderately heavy weight and reach, grasp, and lift a drinking cup more efficiently and smoothly than without stimulation.
Expert Perspectives
"Arm and hand paralysis significantly impacts the quality of life of millions of people worldwide," said Elvira Pirondini. "Currently, we don't have effective solutions for patients who suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury, but there is growing interest in the use of neuro-technologies that stimulate the brain to improve upper-limb motor functions."
Dr. Jorge González-Martinex, director of Pitt's epilepsy and movement disorders program, added, "DBS has been life-changing for many patients. It offers new hope to millions of people worldwide."
Future Research
The research team is now focused on assessing the long-term effects of DBS and determining whether continuous stimulation can further enhance arm and hand function in patients with traumatic brain injury or stroke. This ongoing research aims to refine DBS protocols and expand its applicability to a broader range of patients with motor impairments.
