Read the transcript https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Rewiring%20Hope_Epidural%20Stimulation%20for%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20Recovery-Transcript.pdf

In this episode, we spotlight groundbreaking research in epidural spinal stimulation at Kessler Foundation’s Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation. This transformative therapy uses electrical impulses to help restore movement and autonomic functions—such as bladder control, blood pressure, and breathing—in people with paralysis. More than 70 individuals have contributed to this research, including Alexa Alvarez, who shared her journey after being diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis at age 21.

The Foundation’s work—developed in collaboration with the University of Louisville, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and Medtronic—has led to FDA-approved technologies that are already changing lives. The episode also features the StimXS controller, a tablet-based device in development that offers users greater control over critical body functions.

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Links:

Read the full article, https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report

Listen to the full report, https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports

Visit our website to learn more about the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

Gail Forrest, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Gail%20Forrest

Claudia Angeli, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/claudia-angeli-phd

Enrico Rejc, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/enrico-rejc-phd

Steven Kirshblum, MD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/steven-kirshblum-md

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

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These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

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This podcast was recorded in July 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Rewiring Hope: Epidural Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Today, we're talking to Dr. David Darrow for a second time. Check out episode 30 for our first discussion. David is a neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the departments of neurosurgery and psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. Many of you will also know that he is a researcher and the primary investigator of the successful and ongoing E-Stand trial, which uses epidural stimulation and optimization protocols for delivering functional outcomes for the SCI community. We discussed the E-Stand trial, how it's progressing, and highlights from its now eight years of running. We also talk about the FDA and the quandary of determining what is meaningful in the eyes of research participants, as well as with regulators. And we get into spinal cord stimulation data sharing, the exciting horizon of combinatorial therapies, and much, much more. As you will hear on this call, David is a smart, innovative, forward-thinking ally of the SCI community. 

More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-135.html

Taking a Stand

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.

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to unite and empower the international spinal cord injury community to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. Get Educated and Get Involved.

New tracks tagged #epidural stimulation