Estimulação epidural na lesão medular crônica: evidências atuais e aplicações clínicas
Estimulação epidural na lesão medular crônica: evidências atuais e aplicações clínicas
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7961126300110
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Palavras-chave: Estimulação Epidural. Lesão Medular. Reabilitação Neurofuncional. Controle Motor. Neuromodulação.
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Keywords: Epidural Stimulation. Spinal Cord Injury. Neurofunctional Rehabilitation. Motor Control. Neuromodulation.
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Abstract: Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with disruption of descending neural pathways, impairing voluntary motor control and autonomic functions below the level of injury. This chapter aimed to systematically review the scientific literature on epidural electrical stimulation (EES), examining the hypothesis that sublesional neural circuits may remain structurally preserved, although functionally inactive, and may be modulated through spinal neuromodulation to facilitate motor recovery. The methodology consisted of a systematized review conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, including clinical trials and seminal studies published between 2011 and 2026, involving individuals with chronic SCI classified as AIS A to D. The evidence analyzed indicates that EES increases the excitability of spinal circuits, modulates Central Pattern Generators (CPGs), and may promote the reactivation of latent neural pathways. Recent studies demonstrate that, particularly when combined with intensive locomotor training, epidural neuromodulation has been associated with the recovery of functions such as gait, independent standing, trunk control, and autonomic modulation in selected individuals. It is concluded that EES, integrated with intensive physiotherapeutic rehabilitation, represents a promising strategy in the neurorehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injury, with the potential to expand functional outcomes and contribute to redefining motor prognoses in this population.
- Emerson de Carvalho
- Luis Henrique Amodeo Vian
- Arthur Both Lahude
- Jessica da Silva Lamp