In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental observations during epidural studies, his work combines computational modeling and clinical research to show how spinal anatomy and pulse duration affect tSCS effectiveness. Now FDA-approved, this approach offers new hope for neurorehabilitation by enhancing spinal function without surgery. Tune in to discover how these findings are advancing spinal cord injury treatment.

Intro & Welcome: 00:04
Lecture: 01:06
Q&A: 55:01
Closing remarks: 1:20:37
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Learn more about:
Karen Minassian, PhD, https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=karen_minassian&cHash=e1a4705d6c154272ca49e231996ec501
Associate Professor
Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

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VIEW Dr. Karen Minassian's presentation:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Karen%20Minassian-Presentation%20tSCS-OCT25.pdf

EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

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Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

New tracks tagged #Spinal Neuromodulation