Experimental Treatment Allows Paralyzed Man To Feel And Move Again

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about how artificial intelligence will change our society — for better and for worse.

While the public remains divided on the topic, one man who has been paralyzed from the chest down since 2020 can make a pretty compelling pro-AI argument.

“Thought-driven therapy”

Keith Thomas was injured in a diving accident that left him unable to move most of his body, but he recently underwent a clinical trial that involved inserting implants into his brain that were programmed with AI algorithms meant to restore feeling and movement.

The lengthy and risky surgery paid off when the 45-year-old emerged from the operating room with the ability to control his body once again.

According to the team responsible for this encouraging breakthrough, the implants essentially restored communication between Thomas’ injured spine and the rest of his body.

According to lead trial investigator Chad Bouton: “When the study participant thinks about moving his arm or hand, we ‘supercharge’ his spinal cord and stimulate his brain and muscles to help rebuild connections, provide sensory feedback, and promote recovery.”

In simple terms, he said that “this type of thought-driven therapy is a game-changer.”

“It’s overwhelming”

Naturally, the medical community is keenly interested in following Thomas’ progress and further developing the so-called “double neural bypass” treatment for use in other patients.

But there’s probably no one as excited about the result as Thomas himself.

“There was a time that I didn’t know if I was going to live, or if I wanted to, frankly,” he said. “And now, I can feel the touch of someone holding my hand. It’s overwhelming.”

Armed with his revolutionary development, Thomas said he is dedicated to helping as many of the millions of people living with partial or full paralysis as possible.

Chris Agee August 3rd, 2023

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