About Functional Electrical Stimulation
Neurorehabilitation and Functional Electrical Stimulation
Injury to your brain or spinal cord, either by trauma, 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.
More commonly known as functional electrical stimulation (FES), functional electrical stimulation systems activate your nervous system using electric impulses so your muscles do what you want them to do. It’s been used in medicine for decades, including for rehabilitation after a stroke or for patients with multiple sclerosis, and it can also be used to improve your mobility on an ongoing basis.
FES is recommended by both NICE and the Royal Colleage of Physicians as an effective treatment for drop foot (dorsiflexor weakness). This is a common problem, particularly after stroke, that can affect your walking and general mobility.
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.
Drop foot (dorsal flexor weakness)
Drop foot (sometimes also called dropped foot or foot drop) is caused by missing nerve signals to the leg and foot muscles, making it difficult to properly lift the foot and toes when walking.
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.
L100
The L100 Go system was developed for people with drop foot, which can occur due to diseases of the central nervous system such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis or infantile cerebral palsy. It works on the basis of functional electrical stimulation (FES).
H200 Wireless System
After a stroke, traumatic brain injury or partial spinal cord injury, you might not be able to use your hand fully. The H200 Wireless System helps you grasp and hold objects again in your daily routine.
FES Clinical Partners
We have a selection of trained clinical FES partners throughout the UK who are able to assess you with either the L300 Go, L100 Go or H200. For a complete list please contact us.