Deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand function post-brain injury

Immediate Improvement in Motor Function: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown immediate improvements in arm and hand strength and function in individuals with paralysis caused by traumatic brain injury or stroke.

Successful Tests in Monkeys and Humans: Researchers tested DBS in both monkeys and humans, demonstrating that electrical stimulation of the motor thalamus can restore voluntary movements without causing involuntary movements.

Potential New Clinical Application: DBS, a technology already widely used for conditions like Parkinson's disease, is being explored for restoring upper-limb motor functions in stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.

Stimulation of Motor Thalamus: The study focused on stimulating the motor thalamus, a key relay hub for movement control, to activate weakened neural connections between the motor cortex and muscles.

Future Research for Long-Term Effects: Researchers aim to study the long-term impact of DBS to determine whether chronic stimulation can provide further improvements in motor function for patients.