Spinal Injury Patients Regain Hand Movement in Ireland

0:00Stay informed with Europe News today, AI-powered updates. I'm Cory with the story. A groundbreaking program at Dublin's Modern Hospital has helped 12 spinal cord injury patients regain movement in their hands and arms. The treatment uses surgeries to transfer healthy nerves and tendons to paralyzed areas, restoring functions like grasping, pinching, and reaching the mouth. Ireland now joins a handful of countries offering this reconstruction right on site at a spinal injury unit. Take 28-year-old Neve High Field from Meeth, for instance. She suffered a severe neck and spinal injury in her early 20s after a fall from monkey bars. After two surgeries and years of rehab, she can now handle daily tasks independently from brushing her hair to cooking and creating resin artwork. She sells at local markets. Patients like Neve describe huge life changes, such as playing properly with nieces and nephews or opening jars without help. The gains build gradually through dedicated practice with rehab teams from the National

1:03Rehabilitation Hospital. Another success story is 29-year-old Brian Malar from County Claire. He went for moving just one finger to managing everyday activities with better hand control. The medical team, including hand surgeons and rehab experts, stresses that hand function often matters more than walking for those with paralysis. Doctors aim to offer this free option to every eligible patient in Ireland, as long as they have usable nerves or tendons. With more surgeries planned, like for names right hand, these advances are steadily boosting independence across the country.