SPOKANE, Wash. — A new FDA-approved device is bringing hope to people who have suffered spinal injuries and helping them regain function they thought was lost.
12 years ago, Jessie Owens was in an accident that left her paralyzed below the neck. With the help of a new spinal cord stimulator, she has regained movement in her hands and can complete tasks she didn’t think she would be able to do again.
Since participating in the University of Washington Medicine clinical trial, Owens has gone from slight movement in one of her hands to being able to tie her shoes, open up jars and care for her kids.
“As I completed this study and I started to see meaningful impact, I was so overjoyed and I was able to make meaningful changes in my life with less caregiving, moving more independently, more confidence to go out and date and then get married and have kids,” Owens said.
The device works by sending electrical currently to the damaged area of the spinal cord through a path that is attached to the skin surface.
Doctors say with the stimulator and rehab, patients that were once paralyzed can regain some level of function.
UW Medicine says this device will be available soon at Harbor View Medical Center for patients who have had a spinal injury for over a year.
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