Neuroprosthetic system brings hope for paraplegic and Parkinsonian patients

Leading European research laboratories combine their expertise and knowledge to design novel neuroprosthetic systems that aim to restore the motor functions of individuals suffering from severe spinal cord injury as well as alleviating the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. The project, partly funded by the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (CP-IP 258654) with almost 9 million Euros, was launched on June 1st 2010.

The goal of NEUWalk is to develop a brain spinal neuroprosthetic interface system to restore voluntary motor functions in people with severe spinal cord injury and to establish a less invasive and safer surgical strategy to alleviate Parkinson’s disease syndromes.

In order to realize these neuroprosthetic systems, novel technological solutions including flexible multielectrode arrays and neurostimulators combining wireless powering and signal transmission as well as neural stimulating, recording and analysis capacities will be conceived employing leading-edge microtechnology and microelectronics.

Contact: Dr. Stefan Kiesewalter, Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH
presse@imm-mainz.de