Implanted stimulators for restoration of function in spinal cord injury

Neuroprostheses that electrically stimulate paralyzed muscles provide funct ional enhancements for individuals with spinal cord injury and stroke such as standing and stepping, reaching and grasping, and bladder and bowel func tion. For chronic applications, implanted neuroprostheses lead to reliable, low-maintenance and patient-acceptable systems. The advantages of such sys tems are discussed followed by a generic description of implantable stimula tors. Features of current first and second generation neuroprostheses devel oped at our centre are discussed followed by our experience in the applicat ion of these devices in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behal f of IPEM. All rights reserved.