Getting a grip

Currently I am unable to use my fingers to grab on to anything. However with the use of functional electrical stimulation to contract my muscles, it may be possible to develop a grip over time , at least when the current is on! So far, specialists have been unable to initiate flexion in my fingers sufficient to have a grasp. However, Julie and I have been working on this and are making some progress. In the video below, we are doing something called a power grasp, which uses the lumbricals, That is, the smaller fingers, and the thumb, to develop a grasp. While the current is on, I am able to hold on to the roll of paper towel. This is the first time in 18 months that I’ve held on to anything, so it was a big thrill.