Spinal Cord Stimulation Revolutionizes Paralysis Treatment: Journalist Melanie Reid’s Experience with ARCEX.

Journalist Melanie Reid’s life changed dramatically 14 years ago when she fell off a horse and broke her neck, leaving her paralyzed with tetraplegia. For over a decade, she had limited function in her four limbs and torso, with her left hand unable to experience sensation or movement. However, thanks to a new form of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation called ARCEX, pioneered by Grégoire Courtine of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and his team, Ms. Reid has seen a remarkable improvement in her condition.

Ms. Reid was one of 60 patients from various test sites in three different countries who participated in the trial for ARCEX. Rather than relying on surgery or medication, her recovery involved a combination of targeted exercises and electrical stimulation. The results of this study, which were published in Nature Medicine on May 20th, have shown promising results for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Thanks to the ARCEX treatment, Ms. Reid is now able to move her left hand and perform tasks that were once impossible for her, such as putting her hair in a ponytail. While her recovery is not complete, the progress she has made is significant and has given hope to others with similar injuries. The success of this innovative approach to spinal cord stimulation suggests a promising future for individuals living with paralysis.