Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
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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.
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 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.
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...
A multicenter trial of two spinal cord injury therapies found that weight-supported treadmill training and conventional overground mobility therapy produce similar outcomes. The study showed that individuals with partial spinal cord injuries can walk independently by six months, regardless of the therapy strategy.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new therapy using functional electrical stimulation to improve walking skills in patients with spinal cord injuries. After 12-18 weeks of treatment, the patients showed significant improvement and some were even able to stop using leg braces.
A new study found that Fezl is necessary for proper development of neural connections to the spinal cord. In developing mice lacking the Fezl gene, normal connections failed to form, and brain cells made inappropriate connections instead.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that stimulating nerves before and after a spinal cord injury can increase growth capacity and sustain nerve regeneration. This breakthrough builds on earlier findings, highlighting the importance of timing and manipulating the nervous system's properties to enhance CNS cell growth.
ASU's Center for Rehabilitation Neuroscience has received significant funding to develop neural clamps, MRI systems, and adaptive electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The team aims to design techniques to investigate, replace, and repair damaged neural systems for improved mobility.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found elevated IL-6 levels correlate with tissue injury and clinical disability in Transverse Myelitis (TM) patients. Elevated IL-6 levels are necessary and sufficient to mediate neural injury, dependent on nitric oxide.
In rats with spinal cord injury, third order neurons in the thalamus abnormally fire signals without incoming stimuli. Targeted molecular agents suppress these rogue neurons' activity, reducing phantom pain.
This study recommends wheelchair setup and propulsion techniques to reduce upper limb injuries, including using smooth strokes and a light-weight wheelchair. Rehabilitation also improves wheelchair propulsion ability, with greater gains in men, younger persons, and those with paraplegia.
Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.
Researchers find high levels of acrolein, a known carcinogen, persist in spinal tissue after injury, contributing to debilitating paralysis. Detoxifying drugs targeting acrolein could treat not only spinal cord damage but also other conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has cleared Ohio State's spinal cord injury training program for its humane care and use of animals in research. The university had searched for alternatives to using animals in the project, but no problems were found with animal treatment.
The OHSU study found that ThinkFirst significantly improves knowledge of injury prevention among program participants, leading to a decline in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The program has educated over 250,000 children on injury prevention since its inception in Oregon.
A human embryonic stem cell-derived treatment has restored insulation tissue for neurons in rats with acute spinal cord injuries, leading to significant improvements in walking ability. However, the same treatment was ineffective on rats with chronic injuries, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that uric acid treatment can prevent inflammation and some damage in mice with spinal cord injuries. Uric acid protected spinal cord neurons from peroxynitrite-related damage, allowing mice to recover motor function faster and to a greater extent than those treated with saline.
A new device study shows spinal cord injury patients experiencing some degree of functional recovery after six months, with improved sensation and motor function recorded at one year. The oscillating field stimulator device has been shown to promote nerve fiber regeneration, offering a potential treatment option for severe injuries.
Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.
Researchers have found promising results using olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to form myelin around nerve fibers, improving rats' functionality. Tiny beads releasing the enzyme chondroitinase ABC also enhance axonal growth and recovery of function.
Researchers at UCSD successfully treated muscle spasms in rats with ischemic spinal cord injury using brain cell transplants. Fifty percent of the animals experienced significant improvement in motor function.
A study funded by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has identified novel potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord repair using microarray technology. The study analyzed 108 genes and found patterns of gene expression that could help researchers identify new treatments.
Researchers discovered that excess ATP damages motor neurons, leading to paralysis. Blocking ATP's effects restored function in rats with damaged spinal cords, opening up promising new avenues for treatment.
Researchers successfully stimulated nerve cell regeneration after spinal cord injury using a combination of treatments. The study showed that axons can regrow into a cell graft placed in the lesion site, extending into the spinal cord and surrounding tissue.
Researchers found that a combination therapy using Schwann cells and cyclic AMP (cAMP) promotes axonal growth and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The treatment preserved and elevated cAMP levels in nerve cells and myelinated nerve fibers, leading to better locomotion and coordination in rats.
Researchers tested rTMS on four patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries, finding a 37.5% drop in intracortical inhibition and improvements in motor and sensory function. This treatment may facilitate functional recovery and has the potential to help people with partial spinal cord injuries recover some movement and feeling.
Researchers infused decorin into spinal cord injury sites in rats, reducing inflammation and scar formation by 80-95%. This allowed nerve fibers to regrow across the injury site within four days.