Recovery of volitional movement with epidural stimulation after “complete” spinal cord injury due to gunshot: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Epidural spinal cord stimulation (eSCS) restores volitional movement and improves autonomic function after nonpenetrating and traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). There is limited evidence of its utility for penetrating SCI (pSCI). Case Description: A 25-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound (GSW) resulting in T6 motor/sensory paraplegia and complete loss of bowel and bladder function. Following eSCS placement, he regained partial volitional movement and has independent bowel movements 40% of the time. Conclusion: A 25-year-old pSCI patient who, following a GSW resulting in T6-level paraplegia, sustained marked recovery of volitional movement and autonomic function following eSCS placement.

Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury in Humans: A Systematic Review

“…Included studies varied by geographical location, with 46 from the USA, 7 from Austria, 5 from Canada, 3 from Switzerland, 2 from India, and 1 from Russia. Publication year of the included studies ranged from 1986 [107] to 2023 [108][109][110][111][112][113], with patient size ranging from 1 to 33.…”

“…eSCS enabled voluntary increased muscle activation and movement below the level of injury and promoted independence during exoskeleton-assisted walking. In one individual, eSCS enabled motor control (below the injury level), and independent standing and stepping None reported Gupta (2023) [111] -…”