Electrical Implant Helps Paralysis Patients Stand

Sorry, this video is no longer available

A new development in spinal cord injury research is showing great promise for paralysis patients.

It’s an electrical stimulator implanted in the spine and it’s being called a breakthrough.

Dustin Shillcox is paralyzed from the chest down, but he, along with three other men, can stand up thanks to the new implant.

“To be able to stand when people say you can’t, well, it’s a total game changer. It’s awesome,” said Shillcox.

Spinal cord injury researchers say this is a breakthrough – to go from sitting to standing on their own volition.

Once in, with the right voltage, paralyzed test subjects could move their toes and their legs.

But the big question is – will standing lead to a step and maybe one day even walking?

It’s too soon to know, but the men already have better bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

“The feeling I get every time I stand up is breathtaking. It shows that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Shillcox.