San Raffaele Hospital: World's First Case Study Demonstrates the Effectiveness of Spinal Cord Neurostimulation in a Paraplegic Patient with Severe Conus Medullaris Injury

The study, published in Med by Cell Press and authored by physicians and researchers from the MINE Lab, documents the recovery of walking ability through epidural electrical stimulation in a paraplegic patient with a spinal cord injury at the T11–T12 level. These types of injuries account for over 50% of all spinal cord lesions.
MILAN, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- A clinical case published in Med – Cell Press by the multidisciplinary team of the MINE Lab – including doctors, physiotherapists, and researchers from San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, in collaboration with bioengineers from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa led by Professor Silvestro Micera – describes the remarkable recovery of a 33-year-old man with a traumatic spinal cord injury at the T11–T12 level that extended into the conus medullaris. The injury caused severe motor impairment due to damage to both the central and peripheral nervous systems. After surgically implanting an epidural spinal cord neurostimulator, the team applied specific stimulation and rehabilitation protocols, significantly improving the patient's muscle strength, mobility, and motor control.
This research builds on a path that began with the first implantation of a spinal cord neurostimulator in 2023, carried out by the neurosurgical team at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele led by Professor Pietro Mortini, Head of Neurosurgery at the hospital and Full Professor of Neurosurgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. The path continued with the publication, in Science Translational Medicine in 2025, of the first results from two implanted patients, demonstrating the effectiveness of the innovative epidural electrical stimulation (EES) protocol for treating spinal cord injuries.
"With this case study, we have shown for the first time the effectiveness of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) combined with rehabilitation in restoring lower limb motor functions in a paraplegic patient with a severe conus medullaris injury—the terminal portion of the spinal cord —enabling him to stand and walk short distances," explained Dr. Luigi Albano, neurosurgeon and researcher at San Raffaele Hospital and first author of the study. "Beyond motor recovery, the stimulation also led to clinically significant improvements in neuropathic pain and the patient's overall quality of life."
"The results of this study," added Professor Pietro Mortini, "offer new hope to patients with severe spinal cord injuries who have experienced long periods of immobility, making previously unimaginable recovery possible through the integration of advanced neuromodulation and personalized rehabilitation."
About Conus Medullaris Injuries
The conus medullaris is the terminal segment of the spinal cord, typically located between the first and second lumbar vertebrae (L1–L2). In this region, the central and peripheral nervous systems functionally merge, meaning injuries can impair lower limb motor and sensory functions as well as autonomic control of vital functions like urination, defecation, and sexual activity. Conus medullaris injuries often result from car accidents, falls, or violent trauma and account for more than 50% of spinal injuries involving the spinal cord-root junction.
The Case Study
The subject of the study is a 33-year-old man who suffered a severe spinal cord injury at the lower thoracic level (T11–T12) four years ago, resulting in paralysis of the lower limbs. Although classified as "incomplete" (ASIA Grade C), the injury severely affected his mobility. Despite two intensive rehabilitation programs following the trauma, the patient remained unable to stand or walk. Tests also showed damage to the nerve roots connecting the spinal cord to the leg muscles (L4–S1), indicating involvement of both the central and peripheral nervous systems—making this a particularly challenging case to treat, as conventional therapies rarely succeed when neural circuits are impaired at multiple levels. To provide a new opportunity, the patient was enrolled in the Neuro-SCS-001 clinical trial, which evaluates the effects of epidural electrical stimulation combined with a personalized rehabilitation program.
"We implanted a spinal stimulation system with 32 electrodes between T11 and L1," explained Professor Pietro Mortini. "Once activated, the stimulation re-engaged residual neural circuits, particularly those controlling trunk muscles and hip flexors—key for regaining posture and walking ability. After an initial calibration phase, the patient underwent an innovative rehabilitation program integrating virtual reality exercises using sensory and motor feedback."
SOURCE IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele; UniSR

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

9 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

Brooks Nader showcases her jaw-dropping figure in plunging brown dress as she joins stylish Georgia Fowler and Olivia Palermo at fashion event in New York

Brooks Nader, Georgia Fowler and Olivia Palermo looked incredible as they attended alice + olivia x Ford Bronco Can't be Tamed Launch in Montauk, New York on Friday. Model Brooks, 28, ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived to the event in a dark brown dress with a plunging neckline that highlighted her figure. The Sports Illustrated star styled her blonde locks into loose waves and drew further attention to her look with a gold pendant necklace. Victoria's Secret model Georgia, 33, turned heads in a black low cut vest top which she paired with multi-patterned trousers. She wore her brunette tresses in a sleek updo and complimented her outfit with a brown leather handbag. Olivia, 39, cut a glamorous figure in a white midi dress with a green leaf print which she paired with silver flats. The former reality star drew further attention to her look with a pair of dramatic silver earrings and she also carried a cream clutch bag. Also in attendance at the event was Ella Bleu Travolta, the daughter of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston. The 25-year-old cut a laid back figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans which she paired with a white T-shirt. Actress Bijou Phillips donned a multi-coloured crop top with a matching skirt as she performed with a guitar for attendees. The event just weeks after Brooks revealed she wants to start dating women after her breakup with Gleb Savchenko as she admitted 'all of her exes hate her.' The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue alum, who has been romantically linked to Tom Brady, also mentioned her ex at the launch party for the latest issue and even seemingly shaded him following their split in April. She also talked about who she is looking to date next as she said she has already moved on from her now-ex, whom she partnered with when she competed on Dancing with the Stars. The 25-year-old cut a laid back figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans which she paired with a white T-shirt (pictured with model Sailor Brinkley-Cook) Last month, Brooks, who was previously married to Billy Haire until their divorce was finalised in April, revealed she is open to dating women after her recent breakup. She declared herself 'freshly single' as she told ET that she has moved on in the 'two or three weeks' since she called it quits with the dance pro. 'It's a wrap on that one,' she said. 'But yeah, no I'm not looking for anything. I'm rocking with work. When asked about the qualities she is looking for next in her 'Mr. Right,' Nader responded: 'Honestly I don't even know. Maybe it's mister, maybe it's missus. I don't even know. Who knows? My sister keeps telling me I got to switch teams.' She continued: 'She's, like, over me with the guys. Who knows? I'm 28 and I've been married only so I'm like, "We'll see what happens." I'm open to whatevs but I'm not looking for any kind of a partner right now.' At the same star-studded soirée, she also admitted that 'all of my exes hate me' before seemingly shading her ex. She told People that she doesn't stay friends with her exes after their relationship runs its course.

Belfast Telegraph

9 minutes ago

• Belfast Telegraph

Anger as bomb squad called to Belfast Islamic Centre after suspect device is hurled inside in ‘vile attack'

Latest | A man linked to a security alert at the Belfast Islamic Centre claimed he was "trying to save the world'. A device was thrown inside the building and a window was smashed during last night's incident. It happened between 10pm and 10.30pm at the Islamic centre on the University Road area of south Belfast. Staff at the centre told the Belfast Telegraph the centre had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers. A video from the first floor of the centre, seen by this newspaper, shows a man reaching into the building. One witness said he saw flames as the suspect allegedly attempted to set fire to the site. "I saw the flames in his hand from above but couldn't capture it in the video," they said. A pedestrian walking by stopped the suspect from doing any damage. A clip of the incident shows the young man grabbing the suspect and pulling him away. The suspect can be heard telling the pedestrian that he was "trying to save the world" as he was being dragged away. "He was the first to stop him," the witness continued. "Only then did we reach there." Officers subsequently arrested the man and cordoned off the site to conduct further investigations. A spokesperson for the Islamic Centre today said they strongly condemned the 'vile attack'. 'During evening prayers last night, one of the windows was broken and a device was thrown inside the building. 'Everyone was evacuated from the building and the police were quick to respond. 'We were unable to continue night prayers as the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed near the building. 'A bomb squad eventually removed the device in the early hours of this morning. 'We have had incidents in the past but nothing of this kind.' "I think he'd be very well qualified": Leo Varadkar on Colum Eastwood Irish presidential run Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack. 'This is just the latest example of an attack motivated by hate which does not reflect the diversity of South Belfast in 2025,' the South Belfast Assembly member said. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity. 'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated, and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.' A PSNI spokesperson said early this morning: 'Police are currently at the scene of a security alert at University Road in south Belfast. A number of cordons are in place in the vicinity. 'A 34-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody. 'Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.'

Daily Record

9 minutes ago

• Daily Record

Rangers facing Panathinaikos venue switch for Champions League tie in major boost for travelling fans

The Ibrox side face the Greek giants away from home in the second leg of their qualifier Panathinaikos are set to confirm that they will host Rangers at the Olympic Stadium in Athens for their Champions League showdown. Russell Martin 's side face a tough task to get past the Greeks after this week's draw and the first leg will be at Ibrox at the end of next month. ‌ Panathinaikos' ramshackle ground, Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, is being rebuilt and the club will return back to their spiritual home for the new season. ‌ But it won't be ready in time for their clash with Rangers. A further complication is Athens' Olympic Stadium is getting roof repairs, but Panathinaikos have received reassurances from the Greek government that work will be delayed until after the game. With a huge capacity of 65,000, tickets won't be a problem for Rangers fans, with Panathinaikos rarely coming close to selling out in most of their European games. And Rangers will be reassured to learn their second qualifying round, second leg tie won't be a true home game either for their hosts. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.