Paralysis from a stroke: Rare nerve transfer improves mobility

Feb 26 2010

The Plastic Surgery Center today announced the successful results of a rare nerve transfer performed for the first known time on a stroke patient to reverse paralysis. Following the procedure, which was led by Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., 47-year old Vincent Filipini is now able to lift, move and bend his once paralyzed arm. Mr. Filipini continues to show improvement in his mobility.

Dr. Elkwood commented, “We are extremely pleased with Vinny’s surgery outcome. In addition to improving his quality of life, his results portend significant implications for individuals worldwide that suffer paralysis from a stroke. Given his successful results, we believe there is a great deal more we can do going forward to restore further function of paralysis caused by strokes.”

During the procedure, which took place on December 18, 2007, at Monmouth Medical Center, Dr. Elkwood and a team of doctors took nerves from Mr. Filipini’s legs and attached them to his paralyzed arm to restore functionality. The medical team created a nerve tunnel across Mr. Filipini’s chest to reach his bad arm, in order to run a so-called “extension cord” through his body and bypass the part of his brain not working as a result of his stroke. Dr. Elkwood expected it would take months of recovery and therapy to determine the results, as the nerves grow approximately one inch per month.