Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that regeneration of central nervous system axons can be achieved in rats even when treatment is delayed by more than a year after the original spinal cord injury. The team used a combination of treatments to coax chronically injured axons to regenerate and...
A new study suggests that a damaging inflammatory response following spinal cord injury can prevent healing and promote chronic pain. Anti-inflammatory macrophages, which are typically involved in later stages of injury repair, were found to promote effective growth of axons but disappear shortly after an injury.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that a tailored approach to physical therapy can restore a wider variety of functions in rats with spinal cord injuries. After four weeks of training on a robotic device, trained animals had shorter stride lengths and improved walking performance compared to non-trained animals.
Researchers have discovered a diet high in fat can accelerate spinal cord injury recovery, while stem cell implants pre-screened for immature cells show promising results. The findings offer new hope for the over one million people affected by spinal cord injuries in North America.
A team of researchers has identified a novel therapeutic target for central nervous system injuries, including spinal cord injuries. They found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) bind to the surface of neurons, and blocking this binding may lead to improved regeneration.
Researchers are exploring a groundbreaking method that uses electrical stimulation and exercise to enable paralyzed individuals to walk. The technique, inspired by recent breakthroughs in animal studies, shows promise for those with complete spinal cord injuries.
A new study by neuroscientists at Ohio State University suggests that immune responses to spinal cord injuries may actually worsen and extend the damage. Inhibiting antibody-producing B cells may promote healing and reduce long-term effects of spinal cord injury.
Researchers have identified a potential link between B cells and spinal cord injury, suggesting that therapies targeting these immune cells may improve recovery outcomes. In a separate study, scientists developed an assay to distinguish harmful from harmless BRCA1 mutations, which could help identify patients at risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified B cells as a key player in worsening spinal cord injury outcomes, but also found that removing or inhibiting these cells may help improve recovery. The study suggests potential new therapeutic targets for minimizing injury and promoting repair after traumatic spinal cord injury.
Researchers discover regeneration of severed nerve fibers is not required for paraplegic rats to learn to walk again. Daily treadmill training enables rats to regain full weight-bearing walking abilities.
Researchers discover gecko tails have intricate movement patterns after shedding, including flips up to 3cm in height. The isolated tail serves as a vehicle for studying spinal cord function and nerve-muscle coordination.
Researchers have made significant findings in understanding the effects of diet on cognitive performance in pilots, with high-fat diets showing improved flight performance scores. Additionally, a new approach to treating spinal cord injury using stereotactic X-irradiation has shown promise in improving locomotor function.
Researchers successfully guided regenerating sensory axons to their correct targets and formed synapses, but not electrically active connections due to lack of myelin sheath. The study suggests that restoring the myelin sheath is crucial for fully restoring function in injured spinal cords.
Research reveals that blood-derived macrophages with interleukin-10 expression have an anti-inflammatory effect on spinal cord injuries. This finding suggests that these cells may contribute to the recovery process after injury.
A subset of infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages, expressing interleukin-10, exhibits an anti-inflammatory role in spinal cord injuries. This suggests that these cells may have a beneficial effect on recovery from such injuries.
A common food additive, Brilliant Blue G, has been identified as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury. The compound stops the cascade of molecular events that cause secondary damage, allowing patients to recover from paralysis. Researchers have successfully tested BBG in rats with spinal cord injuries, showing promising results.
Researchers have identified a crucial molecular pathway required for the formation of brain neural circuits. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding how axons reach their targets, paving the way for new therapies to treat spinal cord injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have clearly shown regeneration of critical nerve fibers required for voluntary movement. The breakthrough uses genetically engineered neurons to over-express receptors for BDNF, enabling corticospinal axon regeneration.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered an experimental agent that can reverse damage from spinal cord injury by blocking inflammatory reactions. The study shows that microglial cells release neurotoxic factors after injury, leading to lasting nerve cell damage.
Researchers reported on eight patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who received multiple route bone marrow stem cell injections, showing functional improvements such as bladder control. The study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of multiple route administration of bone marrow-derived stem cells for SCI treatment.
A study found that transplantation of stem cells from the spinal cord lining reverses paralysis in laboratory tests. The transplanted cells regenerated ten times faster than similar cells from healthy control animals.
The partnership aims to translate early research into new treatments for chronic spinal cord injuries, which currently leave patients with lifelong suffering. Dr. Evan Snyder and Dr. Mark Tuszynski will lead the effort to use stem cells to repair damaged neural cells in adults.
A protein called GluR1 enables nerve cells to communicate, promoting dendrite growth and connection formation. Research suggests that manipulating this protein's activity could enhance communication among neurons, improving motor function in patients with spinal cord or nerve injuries.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating spinal cord injuries by manipulating stem cells to promote nerve regeneration. The research focused on astrocytes and found two distinct sub-types with robustly different effects when transplanted into injured adult nervous systems, offering hope for victims of paralysis.
Researchers found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan helps repair injured spinal cord tissue, promoting motor function recovery during the acute phase. The study also highlights its role in microglia/macrophage activation, a crucial step in the healing process.
A new report reveals that a non-ambulatory child with a cervical spinal cord injury was able to restore basic walking function after intensive locomotor training. The child's progress from no ability to stand or walk to full ambulation using a walker is significant, suggesting that the central nervous system may be retrained. Research ...
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have received $10.5 million in funding to study a protein that may control regeneration in spinal cord injuries. The discovery aims to understand how scar tissue inhibits nerve growth and develop effective treatments for the estimated 12,000 annual spinal cord injuries in Canada and the US.
A new study finds that relying on animal experiments to develop treatments for spinal cord injuries is hindered by significant extrapolation challenges, with only a small percentage of promising agents translating to humans. The review calls for the development of new research techniques to address this issue.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers identifies unit burst generators in the spinal cord that control rhythmic movements such as walking. The discovery may help lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Men with serious injuries and strong traditional masculine ideas are more likely to abuse alcohol, making it harder for them to heal and cope with their emotions. Researchers found that these individuals may struggle with a 'go it alone' mentality and suppress bad feelings by turning to alcohol.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nano-engineered gel that inhibits scar tissue formation and enables spinal cord fiber regeneration. This breakthrough allows mice with spinal cord injuries to walk again after six weeks, paving the way for potential human trials.
Researchers discovered that the central nervous system can reorganize itself and follow new pathways to restore cellular communication required for movement. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that most mice regained mobility within eight weeks after spinal cord damage was induced.
A recent study published in the journal Brain highlights the benefits of rehabilitation training after a cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers found that intensive training can promote natural recovery processes, leading to improved motor function and adaptation strategies for individuals with paraplegia.
Serious head injuries among alpine skiers and snowboarders have increased over the past 15 years, with faster speeds and jumping maneuvers being a major contributor. Helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of serious brain injuries by 22-60%.
Researchers found that brain compensatory mechanisms actively contribute to recovery from spinal cord injury, enhancing function in bilateral primary motor cortex regions. This study reinforces current understanding of neurorehabilitation and may lead to new rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.
A new study identifies netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for repelling adult stem cells away from spinal cord injuries. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage.
Dr. Wise Young, a world-renowned expert in spinal cord injury, is being recognized for his groundbreaking research and passionate support of stem cell therapy. He will receive the Melvyn H. Motolinsky Research Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award for his compassionate approach to science.
A study found tadalafil improved erectile function in men with spinal cord injuries, with average scores indicating mild to moderate dysfunction. The medication was safe and well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache and urinary tract infection.
Children involved in car accidents with ill-fitting seatbelts are at higher risk for 'seat-belt syndrome,' a complex of spine and abdomen injuries. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of more serious injury, such as spinal cord or vertebral fractures.
Researchers found that combining radiation therapy and microsurgery can significantly increase the body's ability to repair damaged spinal cords, leading to permanent recovery. The treatment, which involves draining excess fluids and eliminating damaging cells, showed a nearly two-fold improvement in wound healing compared to untreated...
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.
A study published in Radiology found that MRI can predict full or partial recovery of patients with acute spinal cord injuries by assessing MR images within 48 hours. The severity of MSCC, bleeding, and cord swelling are key indicators of a poor prognosis, while their absence indicates a good chance for neurological recovery.
Xuejun Wen aims to repair spinal cord nerves using tissue engineering and implantable bridging devices. His research has the potential to improve lives and generate commercial interest.
The number of spinal cord injuries among senior citizens has increased significantly over the past 30 years, with admissions by geriatric patients increasing five-fold. Mortality rates are also higher for elderly patients, with approximately eight times the mortality rate as younger patients.
A 'smart bladder pacemaker' developed by Duke University researchers selectively coordinates the contraction and release of muscles required for maintaining continence. The device taps into the urinary circuit in the spinal cord, effectively emptying the bladder and increasing bladder capacity.
Uric acid may promote early intervention against chemical damage to neurons following spinal cord injury or stroke. The compound can stimulate astroglial cells to produce transporter proteins that carry harmful compounds away from damaged neurons.
Dr. Pierre Drapeau's research on zebrafish embryos has led to the discovery of signaling between nerve cells' importance in spinal cord development and growth. The $50,000 Barbara Turnbull Award supports his work towards understanding spinal cord repair and potentially treating diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin significantly reduced severe pain and anxiety problems in patients with moderate to severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury. The medication was effective in relieving pain, improving sleep, and overall well-being.
In a surprise discovery, researchers found that young rats recover more quickly from spinal cord injuries due to the activation of specialized neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes, which provide a protective myelin sheath to axons. This process does not occur as efficiently in adult rats, leading to longer recovery times.
A key gene, Boc, has been identified as crucial for brain neural circuit formation and axon guidance in the nervous system. This discovery could lead to novel strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are working to reverse paralysis and lessen spinal cord injury effects through new projects funded by speeding fines. The grants support studies into nerve regeneration, astrocyte role, and remyelination.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.
Researchers from University of California, Irvine, found that transplanted human embryonic stem cells do not cause harm and can be used to treat acute spinal cord injuries. The study confirmed previous findings that replacing a cell type lost after injury improves outcomes in rodents.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Michigan have developed a treatment that helps spinal cord nerves regrow after injury. Using an enzyme called sialidase, they increased the number of new nerve fibers in injured rats by more than twice, compared to untreated controls.
The JRRD tipsheet focuses on the latest research and best practices for managing spinal cord injury, gait disorders, stroke recovery, and power mobility. Studies investigate functional electrical stimulation for controlling seated posture, terrain's impact on gait characteristics, and the effect of restricted spinal motion on gait.
Researchers developed a brain-to-movement system called BrainGate, which enabled a paralyzed man to control objects using only his thoughts. The pilot clinical trial findings show that movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex long after a spinal cord injury, allowing for direct and successful control of external devices.
Researchers at MGH and Cyberkinetics have successfully linked a paralyzed patient's thoughts to electronic impulses, allowing him to control devices such as a computer cursor and prosthetic hand. The breakthrough uses the BrainGate Neural Interface System, which translates brain signals into electronic commands.
Researchers found that diazoxide prevented hind limb paralysis in rabbits, improving mobility despite impaired hopping. Mitochondrial damage was significantly reduced with diazoxide treatment, reducing reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage.
Researchers developed a new type of stem cell that can repair spinal cord injuries by promoting nerve fiber growth and suppressing scar tissue. The transplanted cells restored function in rats with spinal cord injuries, allowing them to walk normally within two weeks.
Researchers have made significant advancements in managing chronic pain in spinal cord injury patients. Studies show that specific pain patterns are stable over time, while others can be improved through treatment. Additionally, virtual reality systems have been shown to provide natural movement control and flexibility for balance trai...