Epidural stimulation has the potential to be a quantum leap forward for the millions living with spinal cord injury (SCI), challenging the notion that the spinal cord, once damaged, could never recover or be repaired. Four young men, each with a chronic motor complete SCI^*, have changed the way the scientific community views paralysis.

Using epidural stimulation, these young men can voluntarily move their legs and bear weight. They all regained their ability to move in just a few weeks after being implanted with an epidural stimulator. In even bigger news, they've seen dramatic improvement in autonomic functions including bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and temperature regulation. They've also experienced improved cardiovascular and respiratory capabilities.

This is a breakthrough that signals a return to independence, improved health and quality of life for people with paralysis.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, with the help of its partners, have been funding spinal cord research for decades. Now, we're continuing this research with 36 new participants. Our goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of epidural stimulation in improving functions such as cardiovascular, sexual and bladder function, as well as the ability to facilitate voluntary movements.

The study will also begin to track the impact of epidural stimulation to alleviate the financial burden of SCI on individuals and the healthcare system. Participants are expected to benefit from reduced medication and hospitalization expenses related to treating complications of paralysis. We also hope to reduce the threat of premature death caused by complications like autonomic dysreflexia.

Expanding the study from four participants to 36 will yield the data and evidence needed to expedite the delivery of epidural stimulation therapy to the clinic. But we need your help.

We have recently received the green light from the FDA to begin enrollment in The Big Idea study. It is now within our reach to transform the health and future of many more individuals living with spinal cord injury. While researchers are actively screening for participants there are more funds to be raised to ensure this study proceeds without disruption or delay.

^* Two of the four participants were diagnosed as "motor and sensory complete," meaning both the ability to move and to feel below the point of injury were not present.

Epidural stimulation is the application of a continuous electrical current — at varying frequencies and intensities — to specific locations on the lower part of the spinal cord. It involves an implanted device over the dura (the protective coating of the lower section of the spinal cord) of the lumbar cord where the central pattern generator (CPG) exists. The CPG is like a mini-brain within the spinal cord that is able to interpret sensory information. Epidural stimulation is being used to activate the nerve circuits in the spinal cord to provide signals that would normally come from the brain.

In simpler terms, a stimulator is placed inside the body and wired to the spinal cord. The stimulator is controlled by a remote about the size of a smartphone. When the stimulator is on, commands such as "move my right leg" result in movement. In a way, the electrical pulses are "awakening" the nerve cells in the spinal cord. Watch this video to see how it works.