Neurosurgeon Justin Brown, MD, has developed a surgical technique to help some neurologic patients regain movement, according to a Sept. 13 Boston Herald report.
Four things to know:
1. Dr. Brown, director of The Paralysis Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, has been able to reverse paralysis by performing a nerve transfer.
2. The novel technique "plugs in" functioning nerves near the target muscle to the injured nerve to restore movement.
3. Dr. Brown aims to begin clinical trials exploring the use of a nerve transfer to restore bladder control in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
4. Before joining Massachusetts General Hospital, he established the UC San Diego Paralysis Center, which expanded the paralyzing disorders treated to include spinal cord injuries, stroke and brain injuries.