|
"There are many uncertainties. We don't fully
understand how the human system works at this point.
Any individual cell is much more complex than the space
shuttle. Now, imagine how many cells you have, and consider
that they all have separate functions and trigger all
sorts of different mechanisms. You begin to realize
the stunning level of complexity we are dealing with."
At the moment, Dr. Popovic is studying a procedure
called FES, or functional electrical stimulation. In
FES, a Walkman-sized device is used to stimulate the
patient's nerves with electrical impulses. Stimulating
the correct nerves in the correct order generates different
actions such as opening hands or walking. Feedback from
the action goes to the brain. By repeating these simple
tasks over and over, some patients 're-train' their
nervous systems and learn to carry out the movements
by themselves, without using the FES device.
While it's too soon to say how well it works, early
results are encouraging. Small-scale pilot studies showed
FES helped some patients with incomplete spinal cord
injuries or stroke learn to pick up and hold objects.
Large-scale studies, now underway, will show conclusively
whether or not the technique is effective.
Dr. Popovic finds his work highly rewarding, especially
when he sees patients regain use of their hands and
legs. "I especially remember one stroke patient,
an older man who was in really bad shape when he was
admitted. He was very committed to working with us and,
after eight weeks of treatment, he regained the use
of his arm. It made a huge difference to his life."
|
