Revolutionary Neurological Breakthrough for Spinal Cord Injury Patients' Mobility

Researchers have identified a new neurological target, the cuneiform nucleus, that could improve walking recovery in people with spinal cord injury. Deep brain stimulation of the glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus initiated walking in resting mice and improved the quality of the mouse's walk and coordination between the muscles of its hind legs. This approach could also improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from traumas or neurodegenerative diseases affecting gait and posture, such as stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease.