Spinal Neuromodulation

Spinal neuromodulation is an emerging therapeutic approach that holds significant promise for improving motor function and reducing spasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological conditions. Spinal neuromodulation aims to address these challenges by using electrical impulses to modulate the spinal cord’s neural pathways, helping to improve movement and reduce abnormal muscle tone. 

In cerebral palsy, neuromodulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or epidural stimulation, are being explored to target the motor pathways that control movement. By delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord, these therapies can help “retrain” the nervous system, potentially improving voluntary control of movement and reducing the intensity of spasticity. Some studies have shown that spinal neuromodulation can enhance motor function, improve gait, and decrease the need for certain medications, such as muscle relaxants.

Although still in the experimental stages, spinal neuromodulation offers hope for children and adults with CP and other neurological conditions who have not responded to traditional therapies like physical therapy, medication, or botulinum toxin injections. As research progresses, these therapies may become a key part of a multi-disciplinary approach to managing CP, complementing other treatments and offering a more personalized, targeted solution for improving quality of life and mobility in individuals with cerebral palsy.