An implant that sends electrical stimulation to a particular group of spinal neurons can be used to treat a spinal cord injury patients abnormally low blood pressure, which addresses a typical "invisible" side effect of paralysis. The extremely low blood pressure of a spinal cord injury patient can be treated with an implant that transmits electrical stimulation to a specific set of spinal neurons, addressing a common "invisible" side effect of paralysis.

Dr. Jordan W. Squair receives the 2023 BioInnovation Institute & Science Prize for Innovation in appreciation of his efforts in developing this treatment, also known as the neuroprosthetic baroreflex. In his speech, he noted that by using this technology, one can stabilize the blood pressure of a patient at an increased risk of fainting and other complications, thereby improving their safety and quality of life.

Dr. Squair is a researcher working with NeuroRestore at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. He explained that the technology offers a new treatment method to address problems that affect up to 90% of people with spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injury can prevent the brain from modulating blood pressure during posture changes, such as moving to a sitting or standing position. Neuroprosthetic baroreflex uses epidural electrical stimulation (EES), which has been seen to restore movement and sensation. The research team explained that finding the right part of the spinal cord to stimulate is the first step in developing the new treatment.

Lastly, they found that the best place to stimulate coincides with the place in the spinal cord where the last three thoracic segments are located, as they contain the most neurons that are relevant for controlling blood pressure. 

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/low-blood-pressure-in-people-with-spinal-cord-injury-can-be-cured-with-implant-study-101681093826165.html )