One of the leading scientists researching treatments for paralysis and spinal cord injury is Dr. Susan Harkema. Her work has led to multiple breakthroughs that led to improved function and quality of life for patients that were previously deemed impossible. On this episode, I invite Dr. Harkema to discuss those discoveries, how they came about, and the future of treating paralysis.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
- Dr. Harkema’s background and training [1:20]
- An overview of paralysis and spinal cord injury [4:35]
- Non-pharmacological approaches to treating paralysis [10:12]
- Dr. Harkema’s groundbreaking study on neuromodulation through epidural stimulation [15:24]
- Redefining the possibilities for paralysis recovery [19:28]
- Other benefits of epidural stimulation [23:56]
- Overcoming technological limitations and pioneering the future of paralysis treatment [29:09]
- What Dr. Harkema believes is missing from spinal cord injury care [32:04]
- The future of epidural stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury [34:02]
Understanding paralysis from a patient’s perspective
If I were to describe the driving force behind Dr. Harkema’s work, it would be people. Everything she does increases the quality of life and care for those with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Harkema is so effective because she understands the challenges SCI patients face and subsequently designs her research around making those challenges easier to overcome. She reminds us that aside from the inability to move, paralysis patients also deal with consequences to cardiovascular function, respiratory function, bladder function, sexual function, circulation, pressure sores, fatigue, and metabolic issues on a daily basis. The secondary consequences are often what make a spinal cord injury almost unmanageable for patients and caregivers.
Follow the data
The best advice Dr. Harkema can give to those who wish to make advancements in her field is to follow the data. Admittedly, she didn’t always take this approach. “I almost missed it,” she exclaimed, referring to her breakthrough study on neuromodulation through epidural stimulation in paralysis patients. The idea that one of these SCI patients would ever independently move a joint again wasn’t even a part of the initial design. But what started as purely a scientific study became a breakthrough in the treatment of paralysis. Listen to our entire conversation to hear how Dr. Harkema followed the data out of the box and into a new realm of possibilities for paralysis patients.
Making an impact
It’s been ten years since Dr. Harkema’s initial findings, and since she has had her work verified by numerous laboratories and has made additional breakthroughs as well. One of the biggest discoveries was the benefit of epidural stimulation on cardiovascular health in SCI patients. The ability to use this treatment to regulate blood pressure has led to major quality of life and cognitive function improvements for patients. She also believes this breakthrough is the key to securing clinical trials and ultimately FDA approval for her work so that patients can benefit from these advancements on a larger scale. One thing is clear, Dr. Harkema is redefining what we thought was possible for the treatment of paralysis and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Resources & People Mentioned
- Effect of epidural stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord on voluntary movement, standing, and assisted stepping after motor complete paraplegia: a case study (2011 Case Study)
- Recovery of Over-Ground Walking after Chronic Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury (2018 Case Study)
- Victory Over Paralysis (Website)
Connect with Dr. Susan Harkema
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