SEMINAR

“Epidural Stimulation Following Spinal Cord Injury to Facilitate Stepping Through Neuromodulation:  A Translational Therapeutic Pilot Study”

 

Donald C. Dunbar, Ph.D.

Professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology

School of Medicine – Medical Sciences Campus

University of Puerto Rico

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

12:00 – 1:00 pm

6495 Alvarado Road, Suite 225

(In-between SDSU campus lot D and Alvarado trolley station)

San Diego, CA 92120

FREE parking and refreshments

Abstract:  This seminar will provide an overview of a pilot study conducted in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. V. Reggie Edgerton (UCLA) to develop a therapy for spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients that is based primarily on electrical stimulation.  The study demonstrates that following a partial transverse spinal lesion (hemisection) at a lower thoracic level (T8-T9), the neural circuitry within the lumbar region that controls weight-bearing and stepping remains functional, and can be activated if appropriate sensory (afferent) information from the periphery is provided.