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New medical technology is restoring a paralyzed man’s ability to walk.
Gert-Jan Oksam was paralyzed at 28-years-old after a spinal cord injury. That injury means his brain is not able to with his legs, leaving him paralyzed. But now, experimental brain implants allow the forty-year-old to move again.
By building a digital bridge with a pre-existing spinal implant, Oksam’s legs can now decode his thoughts for movement again.
After a few weeks of training, the man could stand and walk with assistance. He’s currently learning to climb stairs again.
The experimental technology is still being developed. It’s not yet meant for full-time use. But researchers hope to take it out of trial and into clinics soon.