A functional electrical stimulator (FES) uses electrical current to activate nerves in extremities affected by paralysis. Paralysis can be the result of an upper motor lesion such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), cerebrovascular accident (CVA, otherwise known as a “stroke”), partial spinal cord injury (SCI), or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Listed below is the full range of the most innovative electrical stimulation products, some of which are only available in Tampa Bay at Westcoast Brace and Limb.

When referred to Westcoast Brace and Limb, a patient receives a personal evaluation by a licensed practitioner to determine if an electrical stimulation device is best suited to his or her particular presentation, lifestyle, and goals.
For more information, contact Kristin Cummins, MS OTR/L ^[1], at (813) 985-5000.

Foot drop is a condition where an individual is unable to lift the front portion of the foot off the ground when walking, resulting in dragging of the toe. A functional electrical stimulation (e-stim) device for foot drop is an alternative to an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The device stimulates the nerve in the front part of the lower leg to lift the ankle at the appropriate time during walking.
Examples of electrical stimulation devices for foot drop are the WalkAide device, manufactured by Innovative Neurotronics, and the NESS L300 device manufactured by Bioness.

Bioness L300

Unique Features of the Bioness L300:

• Foot drop secondary to upper motor neuron lesions
• Better for variable speed ambulators (people who can walk at various speeds)
• A sensor worn in the shoe activates the stimulation and deactivates the system so it must be worn with shoes

WalkAide

Unique Features of the Bioness L300:

• Foot drop secondary to upper motor neuron lesions
• Good for consistent speed ambulators (people who generally walk at a single speed)
• Can be used barefoot

Functional Electrical Stimulation for the treatment of foot drop is available with the Pediatric WalkAid System. This system provides a more dynamic foot drop solution for children with specific features that address the unique needs of the pediatric population.

Knee Instability is a condition that can accompany foot drop in some people, exhibited by thigh weakness, causing instability of the knee, either hyper-extension or knee buckling. The Bioness L300 Plus system offers the dorsiflexion assist of the L300, as described above, with the addition of a thigh cuff to stimulate the flexors or the extensors of the knee. The Bioness L300 Plus may improve walking, improve joint ROM and prevent atrophy of the leg muscles.

Bioness L300 Plus

Features of the L300 Plus

The L300 Plus System combines the award-winning NESS L300 Foot Drop System with a functional stimulation thigh cuff that facilitates knee flexion and extension

• The first and only FES system designed to stimulate major leg muscle groups to facilitate walking.
• Addresses both foot drop and thigh weakness
• Low profile design lets patients wear it under most clothing

Hand Paralysis includes the loss of feeling, dexterity and function in one or more muscles groups of the hand and forearm – making it difficult to open and close the hand, reach or grasp. When a person experiences an upper motor neuron injury resulting in arm dysfunction, common activities of daily living become difficult to perform. People often compensate by performing these activities with one hand (unaffected side). The Bioness H200 is a medical device that uses low-level electrical stimulation to activate the various muscle groups in the hand and forearm allowing you to open and close your hand.

Bioness H200:

Features of the H200

• Allows for the stimulation of five muscle groups to increase ROM of the hand and improve function
• Will prevent disuse atrophy that is caused by using only the uninjured hand
• Promotes muscle reeducation

Contraindications:

There are certain medical conditions that might exclude you from being a candidate for a device that includes electrical stimulation. If you have questions regarding the contraindications listed below, please consult your physician.

• Pacemakers or defibrillators
• Any other electrical implant
• Cancerous lesion present or suspected on leg/arm
• Open wound at site where stimulation would be applied
• Fracture or dislocation near site on leg/arm that could be adversely affected by motion from stimulation
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled seizures
• Metal hardware at site of stimulation