What is spinal cord stimulation surgery?

This ground-breaking treatment is centered around an electrical stimulation device. Doctors surgically implant the device just below the injury site and over the spinal cord’s protective coating. The electrodes from the device grab electrical impulses from the brain connecting them with the nerve cells below the injury to create a bridge and stimulate locomotor-like activity. Once implanted, it takes several weeks of physical therapy for the brain to learn how to use the new device and control the resulting limb movements. However, as the brain learns and connections improve, the patient returns to Verita Neuro every two to three years to update the program as their body adapts. In Celeste’s case, her stimulation device would be implanted just below the T7 vertebrae.

What are you doing to prepare for the surgery?

Celeste is doing a lot to prepare! From specialized physical therapy to using her MyoCycle and everything in between. See below for what Celeste does on a weekly basis.

• Specialized physical therapy twice a week at Touchstone Rehabilitation, the best physical therapy clinic in Arizona for spinal cord injury rehab. There, Celeste works with high-tech equipment and modern methods specifically designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

• Swimming and working out four days per week at Ability 360, the gym Celeste attends to do cardio, weightlifting and mat work. Ability360’s mission is to help people with their mobility; the machines in the weight room are designed for people in wheelchairs. Celeste uses equipment in the weight room, cardio machines and the lap pool. She also regularly attends a Tabata high impace water aerobics class.

• Practices walking with the Re-Walk exoskeleton for two hours once a week at AT Still University as part of a clinical study. The Re-Walk is a wearable, battery-powered exoskeleton that helps people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) or lower limb disabilities walk, stand, and climb stairs. Celeste is assisting AT Still professors with writing a curriculum on how to use the ReWalk exoskeleton.

• Celeste has a standing frame device at home so her legs become weight-bearing which helps her bones stay strong, increase blood and lymphatic system flow, and keep her body aligned. She does this several times a week.

• She rides her MyoCycle, a form of functional electrical stimulation that helps activate Celeste’s lower body muscles.

• She also takes advantage of any other opportunities that arise!

Why can’t you receive surgery in the United States?

Even though the stimulation device is made by Medtronic in the United States and comes with a lifetime warranty, using it in the spinal cord stimulation surgery for mobility is only offered as a clinical trial in the United States. Meanwhile, the device is already being used in the United States for pain relief. Another important aspect of the treatment is stem cell therapy which is commonly used all over the world but not yet in the United States or Canada. Furthermore, Verita Neuro specializes in spinal cord injuries. They are located in Calgary, Canada, Bangkok, Thailand, and Guadalajara, Mexico. They only perform the surgery and crucial stem cell therapy at their clinics in Bangkok and Guadalajara.

What are the benefits of this surgery?

• Ability to stand and take steps 

• Eliminating severe spasms and nerve pain 

• Regaining control of the bladder and bowels

• Regain sexual function 

• Regulation of body temperature and blood pressure 

• Regain touch sensation

• And more!

What is the success rate?

A vast majority of the patients who received spinal cord stimulation with Verita Neuro (VN) have regained voluntary control of their muscle activity when the device is turned on. The improvements in voluntary control progress with VN’s extensive rehabilitation and locomotor training. Most patients also experience significant gains in the points listed above. As with any medical procedure, there will be patients who do not respond to the treatment at all.

VN’s goal is to get SCI patients back on their feet as soon as possible. And since they work with the world’s most experienced spinal cord stimulation surgeons and physiotherapists, you can expect the best outcomes possible at this point in time from VN.

Factors that contribute to a higher success rate include the physical health and strength of the patient and the patient’s commitment to physical therapy.  Patients of smaller frame and leaner body mass tend to respond best.

What are the doctors telling you? Will you walk again?

The doctors are careful with their language in regards to whether or not they think I will walk again. Results vary for everyone. They all tell me how much I heal is entirely up to me. However, many people, with lots of hard work and dedication to the physical therapy program, are able to take assisted steps and more.

I have talked with Verita Neuro reps and they said - because of my athletic background - that I am a good candidate. It also helps that I have been consistently attending physical therapy and am doing everything I can and more to prepare my body. I can only hope that my preparation and determination will help me get back on my feet!