About Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Neurorehabilitation and Functional Electrical Stimulation
Injury to your brain or spinal cord by trauma, or the effects of a stroke or multiple sclerosis, can lead to a loss of movement or function, making it difficult to cope with everyday life. We can help you on your way to recovery – and in many cases regain lost function – with our innovative neurostimulation technology.
Functional electrical stimulation or FES is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened due to damage to your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge then stimulates the muscle to do what you want. Recommended by the Royal College of Physicians, FES is also approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), who have guidance sating FES can be offered routinely as a treatment option for people with foot drop (dorsiflexor weakness).
How FES Works
FES can either work indirectly, with electrodes placed on the surface your skin, or directly on your nerves using implanted electrodes. If you would like to know more about FES treatment for stroke or MS related drop foot and walking problems, please refer to the FES leaflets by the Different Strokes and MS Trust.
With an FES system, when you lift your foot, a switch under your heel transmits a wireless signal to a stimulator, which in turn activates nerve pathways controlling the muscles of the lower leg. This provides a controlled lifting of your foot and toes at the right moment as you’re walking. The result is a smoother, safer and faster gait, and a reduced risk of falling – so you can step out with confidence.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Solutions
L300 Go
People who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, or are living with conditions such as MS, or incomplete paralysis often experience drop foot which can inhibit their ability to walk.
The L300 Go system is designed to lift your foot as you walk, thus improving your gait pattern, making it smoother and safer. This device can also be used for knee instability and promotes muscle rehabilitation.
