A spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts communication between the brain and spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. But recent breakthroughs suggest an unexpected brain region could play a critical role in restoring mobility.

In 2006, Wolfgang Jäger was in his 30s when a skiing accident left the young Austrian wheelchair-bound from a spinal cord injury. Fast-forward to today, where an innovative deep-brain stimulation technique is helping the 54-year-old Jäger walk and move again.

In this clinical trial, the participants received deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a region of the brain called the lateral hypothalamus (LH).

Researchers have identified the lateral hypothalamus (LH) as a key brain region for walking recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, demonstrating that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can significantly enhance mobility and autonomy.

Scientists said Monday that electrically stimulating a particular region in the brain could help people with injured spinal cords walk more easily, with one patient describing how the technique allowed him to conquer his fear of stairs.

Deep brain stimulation to the lateral hypothalamus has improved lower limb movements in two people with partial spinal cord injury.

Wolfgang Jäger was in his 30s when a skiing accident left the young Austrian wheelchair-bound from a spinal cord injury. Fast-forward to today, where an innovative deep-brain stimulation technique is helping the 54-year-old Jäger walk and move again.

Applying deep brain stimulation to a different region in the brain than has been used for other conditions improved the recovery of lower limb movements in two patients with severe spinal cord injuries,