Epidural Stimulation

Epidural stimulation treatment is a breakthrough procedure for spinal cord injury patients, which allows them to regain motor, sensory and autonomic functions below their injury level. Introduced to patients outside of clinical trials by Verita Neuro in 2016, it quickly became the most promising paralysis treatment modality in the world. The surgery, suitable for both quadriplegics and paraplegics, offers a unique opportunity to change the lives of patients post spinal cord injury

What is Epidural Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury?

The first step of epidural stimulation treatment is a surgery which involves the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator into the epidural space of the spine. It acts as a ‘bridge’, amplifying disrupted brain signals and directing them to the areas responsible for the motor function below the injury level. The device emits an electrical current, which produces voluntary muscle contraction and movements. Once the stimulator is implanted, a specialist physiotherapy team then works to program the stimulator, tailoring the intensity and frequency of the current to each patient’s body and individual needs. During the minimum 35 day stay with us, the patients work with the team to learn how to re-train their body to move again and become more independent.

Many of our colleagues in the field of neurology are working hard in pursuit of a cure for the various debilitating consequences of spinal cord injury. They are battling to overcome hurdles with bureaucracy, studies and trials. Meanwhile, Verita Neuro is successfully treating patients with this pioneering treatment.

Dr Nasir Majeed, MBBS, Verita Neuro

Who is eligible for the treatment?

The treatment is appropriate for patients who:

Have either complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Have spinal cord injuries between C4-T10 levels
Are at least 3 months post-injury.
Are over 12 years of age.

We perform individual assessments based on each client’s unique situation. Get in touch with our advisors to discuss how we can help. Before your consultation, a treatment evaluation is prepared based on the medical form we provide and your medical files, which you will be asked to upload following your initial inquiry.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Epidural stimulation is a next-generation treatment for spinal cord injury, taking treatment one step further than traditional methods.

There are three key areas impacted by spinal cord injury – motor function (movement), sensory function (feeling), and autonomic function (bodily functions). Traditional methods such as physical and occupational therapy, or mobility aids, can have some impact on motor function and help patients to live with paralysis. However, epidural stimulation can physiologically improve all three functions, with patients seeing results such as:

Voluntary movement
Ability to stand up and take steps
Improved strength and stamina
Increased sensation
Regulation of body temperature
Reduction of spasms
Stabilized blood pressure
Improved bladder and bowel control
Relief from neuropathic pain

We have seen a great deal of success in using epidural stimulation to treat spinal cord injury, with the majority of our patients so far seeing good results. Despite the high impact of the treatment, the device implantation surgery itself is minimally invasive, quick, and low risk, with a short recovery time.

As a result of the fast and impressive results of our treatment, many patients also report a great improvement to their mental health. The improvement of motor, sensory and autonomic functions greatly impacts the quality of life and gives our patients renewed hope for the future. Verita Neuro acts as a continued partner to patients’ recovery journeys, helping them to feel supported before, during, and after the treatment.