Hope for the Paralyzed

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/20/opinion/hope-for-the-paralyzed.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Quadriplegic Gets Use of Hand From Chip Placed in His Brain” (front page, April 14):

There was a gasp heard around the world when Ian Burkhart, a man living with quadriplegia, was able to move his right hand and fingers as a result of a chip implanted in his brain.

Such a small movement has huge implications for the millions living with paralysis. This breakthrough speaks volumes about a burgeoning trend in the field of spinal cord research, where technology is outpacing biology.

Muscle reanimation has been studied for many years in labs across the world. What makes this research exciting is that Mr. Burkhart’s brain signals were sent to the target muscles, teaching the central nervous system to rewire its messaging protocols.

At the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, we have embraced a surge of tech solutions for paralysis. For years, there was little interest in approaching spinal cord injury repair outside of biological interventions, which still holds potential. However, we cannot ignore the promise of technology — from neural engineering to epidural stimulation to robotics — especially given the pace of discovery and ability to quickly evolve from initial idea to second- and third-generation devices.

I can only imagine what Christopher Reeve would say given the recent momentum he helped spark. For the first time in a long time, we can embrace hope.

PETER WILDEROTTER

President and Chief Executive

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Short Hills, N.J.