Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and nerves. It is used to help people with paralysis or weakness regain movement. FES can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
-
Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain injury
-
Peripheral nerve injury
FES works by sending electrical impulses through the skin to the muscles or nerves. These impulses mimic the signals that the brain sends to the muscles when they contract voluntarily. The electrical impulses cause the muscles to contract, even if the person is not trying to move them.
FES can be used to help people with paralysis or weakness regain a variety of movements, including:
- Standing
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Grasping objects
- Moving the head and neck
- Speaking
- Breathing
