New Technology could be applied in TBI
New technology currently being used for patients who suffered a brain bleed could have positive applications for those suffering from a traumatic brain injury. It is the NESS L300 neuroprosthesis. Those who suffer a brain injury often experience “toe drag” that makes it physically difficult to balance and walk. NESS stands for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation System. The device is strapped just below the knee with a sensor located in a shoe sends a wireless signal during a step that causes an electrical stimulation in the brain causing the toes to lift. The L300 rebuilds the connection between muscles and the brain and once the brain retrains itself the device is no longer needed. “Although patients can continue to use the device if they need to, in most patients the therapy retrains the brain,” said Jean Gaylord a Rehabilitation Admissions coordinator. “Parts of the brain near the damaged part learn to take over the functions. The L300 can be used to treat a number of conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and incomplete spinal cord injury." She also said Medicare and some private insurance companies cover the use of the NESS devices.
