Paralyzed limbs
Hey so I had a thought during one of my overnight (happens a lot) about paralysis. We are currently able to implant electrodes into ourselves to connect to robotics such as arms and hands. Those are interpreting the signals from out nerves.
Now here's my thought. If we are able to transfer those signals into a robotic body part then why could we not use the same electrodes to transfer the signal from the good nerves, for say our legs, across the broken/disturbed section back to the same nerve line? Correct me if I'm wrong but if you are paralyzed you did not destroy the entire nerve for your lower body but damaged it at a specific point along that route. Why could we not put a "jumper" in to go around that section to get to the still functioning nerves? They would still work only the signal is broken so you don't receive it or can send it.
I don't believe it would be the "hey I'm 100% back to how I was before" but you would, in my opinion, be capable of at least moving the limbs if not being able to walk again to an extent. I feel like this is only something that can be accomplished on a recently crippled person.
My second question would have to be do nerves full on die if they are not used or is the wiring still good to use after an extended period of time?
Again it's a thought but aside from it being out of the reach of most if not all of us could this be accomplished in a medical facility like a hospital?
Now here's my thought. If we are able to transfer those signals into a robotic body part then why could we not use the same electrodes to transfer the signal from the good nerves, for say our legs, across the broken/disturbed section back to the same nerve line? Correct me if I'm wrong but if you are paralyzed you did not destroy the entire nerve for your lower body but damaged it at a specific point along that route. Why could we not put a "jumper" in to go around that section to get to the still functioning nerves? They would still work only the signal is broken so you don't receive it or can send it.
I don't believe it would be the "hey I'm 100% back to how I was before" but you would, in my opinion, be capable of at least moving the limbs if not being able to walk again to an extent. I feel like this is only something that can be accomplished on a recently crippled person.
My second question would have to be do nerves full on die if they are not used or is the wiring still good to use after an extended period of time?
Again it's a thought but aside from it being out of the reach of most if not all of us could this be accomplished in a medical facility like a hospital?
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There are a number of projects that are currently being carried out that are similar to what you've just described.
e.g., http://www.livescience.com/46501-neurobridge-moves-paralyzed-muscles.html
@posthuman at least the idea I had isn't completely mad. Some one else is equally out there ;)
So inorder to mostly fix the damage you would have to jumper every nerve I. The bundle....that sounds very hard being the size and likely space there is in there.
I could see the nerves atrophied if not supplied (the word i couldn't think of) with stimulus but wouldn't that be provided by the electrode? I would understand the chemical part but that too is to an extent still happening since its in the body right?
@helixfox it would seem then that the only way the bypass could work then would be on the PnS where there is no spine to really make it more difficult/complex. Am I correct in that statement?
I know about the implants into the skull but that seems just way to invasive and also not overly realistic for some on to have and use out side of a chair. I agree the robotic arm is definitely something that is severely needed expecially for a reasonable price.
I'm sure I could come up with more questions but I'm out of them for now.