Andrew Marr device helps stroke victim walk again

Richard Fletcher was just 31 when he suffered a stroke which left him unable to speak or walk for two months.

Gradually, he regained his speech and some body movement but has been unable to walk properly since.

The condition, often known as foot drop, is when the muscles in the foot are weakened or paralysed causing the sufferer to drag their foot on the floor. As a result Richard would fall often which affected his confidence.

Now, eight years on, has has had a life-changing device fitted - the first NHS patient to have the implant which is normally only availbale privately. It has meant he can walk confidently again.

The functional electrical stimulation (FES) device, known as ActiGait, was successfully inserted into Richard at the Northern General Hospital’s Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Unit. The procedure involved inserting a stimulator under his skin with an electrode being attached to his peroneal nerve.

Through a series of sensors and a monitoring system worn around the waist, the device stimulates the muscles at just the right time to enable lifting and movement of the foot. As the electrode is attached directly to the peroneal nerve, it only stimulates the muscles required to move the foot. With external FES devises a common problem is that the electrode, which is attached to the external device, is not as accurate and can cause the user to experience uncomfortable shock sensations and irritations.

“For eight years I could barely walk, I would fall several times a day which meant I hardly left the house and my confidence was pretty low.”

Consultant Dr Kidangalil Mathew, said: “The device has brought some great improvements to Richard’s quality of life and has the potential to do so for many others in a similar situation. Thanks to the great multidisciplinary team we have here as well as our commissioners who were very supportive in providing the funding for the treatment we have become the first NHS centre to implant the ActiGait.”

“I always thought that I would be stuck struggling to walk. But since having the device implanted I’ve seen lots of benefits. I haven’t fallen once, my confidence has rocketed and my walking speed has increased by over 50 per cent. I’m looking forward to the summer when I’m hoping to go out on a number of walks.”