Spinal zapper helps four paralysed crash victims to move again: Pioneering treatment mimics signals that travel from …

The men responded instantly to the breakthrough treatment Method offers hope to thousands of people left paralysed by spinal injuries It involves giving the spinal cord an electrical stimulation Scientists say this teaches the spinal cord to control limbs and body

By Jenny Hope

Published: 19:56 EST, 7 April 2014 | Updated: 19:56 EST, 7 April 2014

Rob Summers, centre, receiving intensive physical therapy in Louisville, Kentucky

Four men left paralysed in road accidents have been able to move their legs for the first time in years thanks to a pioneering procedure.

The men, two of whom had been told there was no hope of recovering any movement, responded instantly to the breakthrough treatment.

The method, which took 30 years to develop, offers hope to thousands of people left paralysed by spinal injuries.

It involves giving the spinal cord an electrical stimulation to mimic signals from the brain.

Scientists say this teaches the spinal cord to control limbs and body functions independently of the brain, so eventually the patient gains some control over their movement.

The breakthrough was achieved by implanting a device, which is a few centimetres long and contains 16 electrodes, in the back.

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Spinal zapper helps four paralysed crash victims to move again: Pioneering treatment mimics signals that travel from ...