We are thrilled to share that the Wyss Center has contributed to a groundbreaking study recently published in Nature Medicine. This research, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch at EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), has demonstrated that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the lateral hypothalamus can restore walking in individuals with partial spinal cord injuries.

Key Highlights:

• Unexpected Discovery:The study revealed that stimulating the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region traditionally associated with arousal and feeding, can significantly improve lower limb movements in patients with spinal cord injuries.
• Clinical Impact:Two individuals with partial spinal injuries regained enough leg control to walk unaided and even climb stairs, greatly enhancing their autonomy and quality of life.
• Long-term Benefits:The therapy not only showed immediate improvements but also promoted long-term neurological recovery, even when the stimulation was turned off.

Our Contribution: We are proud to have supported this research with our advanced imaging platform, which was instrumental in mapping the anatomical and functional activity across the brain. This was crucial in identifying the lateral hypothalamus as a key player in motor recovery.

Acknowledging Our Team: We would like to highlight the significant contributions of our colleagues Stéphane Pages, Laura Batti, and Tom Hudson. Their expertise and dedication were vital to the success of this study.

Future Directions: This research opens new avenues for therapeutic applications, combining DBS with spinal implants to enhance recovery from spinal cord injuries. We are excited about the potential of integrating these approaches to offer more comprehensive recovery strategies for patients.

For more details, you can read the dedicated Neuro X Institute article.

We are proud to be part of such innovative research and remain committed to advancing the field of neuroscience to improve lives.