Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
Researchers at EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital have achieved a major milestone in treating spinal cord injuries by applying deep brain stimulation to the lateral hypothalamus. This therapy has improved mobility and independence in two individuals with partial SCI, demonstrating long-term neurological improvements.
New measures of neighborhood socioeconomic factors provide critical tools for studying social determinants of health in spinal cord injury research. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how environment influences health and recovery after spinal cord injury.
A new study demonstrates that Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS) and movement training can improve walking ability in children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Three children showed significant improvements in walking distance, posture, speed, and overall function.
Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has received the Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award for her groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis and cognitive assessment. Her work aims to improve quality of life among individuals with neurological conditions through innovative rehabilitation science.
Research reveals that lumbosacral vertebrae region stimulation significantly elevates low blood pressure, unlike cervical or upper thoracic stimulation. This approach offers a non-invasive therapeutic intervention to regulate cardiovascular function in SCI patients.
A collaborative study led by HKUST sheds light on new possibilities for treating CNS injuries through the discovery of a novel gene regulating axon regeneration. Lipin1 inhibition promotes nerve repair and boosts regeneration in both motor and sensory axons after spinal cord injury.
A Phase I human clinical trial is commencing to test the efficacy and safety of transplantation of olfactory cell nerve bridges to treat chronic spinal cord injury. The trial combines olfactory ensheathing cells with long-term intensive rehabilitation.
Researchers at HKUST have discovered a neuroprotective mechanism involving microglia that prevents acute axonal degeneration after spinal cord injury. Microglia establish direct contact with myelinated axons, exhibiting a protective wrapping behavior that delays degeneration.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine developed an immunotherapy to minimize damage from traumatic spinal cord injury. The therapy protects neurons from immune cells, improving mobility in mice and showing potential for treating people with spinal cord injuries.
A new implant has been developed to encourage nerve cell repair after spinal cord injury. The implant uses electrical signals and a 3D-printed scaffold to bridge the gap and direct axons to grow back in the correct formation, promoting healing and recovery.
A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...
The study found that robotic postural stand training with epidural stimulation improved trunk control during standing tasks, but had no significant impact on sitting outcomes for high-level motor-complete individuals with SCI. This suggests that rehabilitation strategies should be tailored to target specific postures.
A new study reveals that zebrafish spinal cords regenerate by leveraging the survival and adaptability of severed neurons, rather than relying on stem cells. The research identifies genetic targets to promote this type of plasticity in humans and other mammals.
A longitudinal study has found that tissue bridges in the spinal cord are associated with short- and long-term clinical improvements in patients with cervical spine injuries. The study's models, developed by a team of experts, incorporate tissue bridges for improved prognosis and can be transferred to other patient cohorts.
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
Researchers at EPFL have published an open-source project Tabulae Paralytica, providing a comprehensive understanding of spinal cord injury biology. The study identifies specific neurons and genes involved in recovery and proposes a successful gene therapy derived from its discoveries.
A new study reveals that traumatic intracranial aneurysms are more common and associated with intracerebral hematomas after civilian gunshot wounds, challenging conventional wisdom. Spontaneous resolution occurs in approximately 40% of patients.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.
Researchers have determined an optimal 'dose' for red light therapy, which can deliver significant therapeutic improvements, including the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The treatment involves delivering light directly to the site of injury, resulting in increased cell viability and reduced tissue scarring.
Researchers found that spinal cord injury triggers abnormal neuronal activity that causes abdominal fat tissue compounds to leak and pool in the liver and other organs. A short course of gabapentin, commonly prescribed for nerve pain, prevented this damaging metabolic effect.
Researchers will study wearable robotic assistance for chronic SCI, new assessment tools for spatial neglect, and a web-based job interview training tool for autistic youth. The studies aim to improve upper extremity movement function and employment outcomes for individuals with autism.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered neural circuitry in the spinal cord that enables brain-independent motor learning and recall. The study found two critical groups of neurons: one necessary for new adaptive learning and another for recalling adaptations once learned.
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers discovered that neonatal spinal cord ECM significantly enhanced NPC proliferation, migration, and differentiation compared to adult ECM. This study highlights the critical role of early developmental spinal cord ECM in orchestrating spinal cord regeneration processes.
Scientists from Kessler Foundation received significant research grants to explore the social determinants of health among racial/ethnic groups during wheelchair breakdowns. The studies aim to understand the impact of transportation insecurity on individuals with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
A Mayo Clinic study found that stem cells derived from patients' own fat are safe and may improve sensation and movement after traumatic spinal cord injuries. Seven participants demonstrated improvements in motor function, including increased strength and voluntary anal contraction.
Kessler Foundation has received two grants to improve cognitive assessment for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and pilot-test a nationwide personal assistance services survey. The grants will support innovative research, including a hands-free eye-tracker-based cognitive assessment and a survey to assess the impact of perso...
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
Researchers develop nanovector nanogels that selectively target glial cells involved in spinal cord injury inflammation, reducing damage and improving recovery. The treatment demonstrates potential for modulating glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that the severity of muscle wasting depends on the location of the spinal cord injury. They also discovered that hypercortisolism, a hormonal imbalance, worsens muscle loss and can be targeted to rescue muscle tissue.
Researchers surveyed 690 people with spinal cord injury to understand their residential mobility patterns. They found that those who moved were younger, healthier, and less advantaged socioeconomically, often moving due to accessibility issues or housing quality.
A small clinical trial led by the University of Houston demonstrates Riluzole's effectiveness in improving functionality in people with acute spinal cord injuries. The study used an SCI-specific biomarker to show how Riluzole reduces neuron cell damage and improves motor abilities.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a new biomarker using single-cell RNA sequencing, which can predict whether neurons will regenerate after an injury. The study found that the biomarker was consistently reliable across various parts of the nervous system and developmental stages.
Researchers develop novel combinatorial treatment strategy to reduce and overcome chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan's inhibitory effects on neuronal regeneration. The approach stimulates a good measure of recovery in paralyzed rats, paving the way for clinical translation.
A special focus issue of Journal of Neurotrauma highlights the latest findings of North American Clinical Trials Network on improving outcomes for individuals with acute spinal cord injury. The issue includes studies on the benefits of early surgery, key results from a Riluzole study, and trends in corticosteroid use.
Researchers discovered that guiding specific neurons to their natural target regions leads to recovery, while random regrowth is not effective. The study provides crucial insights into axon regeneration and requirements for functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.
Scientists at NeuroRestore have developed a gene therapy that stimulates nerve regrowth and guides nerves to reconnect to their natural targets, restoring mobility in mice with complete spinal cord injuries. The treatment, tested in mice, shows promise in reversing paralysis and improving motor function.
Researchers at CityU and HKUMed developed genetically modified human neural stem cells that promote neural circuit reconstruction, reduce glial scar accumulation, and enhance axon outgrowth. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries with functional recovery.
The new online course, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” enhances training for PCAs to provide quality assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injury. The four-module course covers topics such as building relationships, managing blood pressure, and transferring clients safely.
A new drug treatment, KCL-286, has demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial, promoting recovery through activating retinoic acid receptor beta (RARb) in the spine. Researchers are now seeking funding for a Phase 2a trial to study its effects in those with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that severe spinal cord injuries can disrupt communication between the nervous system and immune system, leading to systemic immune deficiency. Blood markers associated with this deficit can help gauge individual vulnerability to infection.
The Kessler Foundation will evaluate the long-term effects of a myoelectric orthosis on improving hand/wrist/elbow capability in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The goal is to increase muscle strength, joint range of motion, and daily task ability.
The study found that the immune response to spinal-cord injuries is impaired in older individuals, leading to weaker cell responses and reduced recovery. The researchers identified an essential role for the meninges surrounding the spinal cord in mounting the immune response, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...
Dr. Marco Bonizzato receives the 2022 Turnbull-Tator Award for his groundbreaking publication on an intracortical neuroprosthesis that improves recovery of leg control after spinal cord injury. The award supports two trainees in his lab to develop a neurorehabilitation platform for neuroprosthetic therapies.
A mobile app called SCI Step Together encourages people with partial spinal cord injuries to get active by setting goals, tracking activities, and connecting with others. The study found that participants who used the app had greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs, including independence, competence, and belonging.
The gene LRRC4 regulates synapse formation, stability and excitatory transmission, playing a crucial role in learning, memory formation and storage. It also has key implications in neuronal disorders and aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer.
Researchers have adapted a nationally representative survey to reflect the employment experiences of veterans with spinal cord injury, addressing chronic high unemployment. The KFNEDS-Veteran Survey aims to learn about how employers approach hiring, accommodating, and advancing these veterans.
Scientists have created a detailed map of human spinal cord cell formation, shedding light on how injuries and diseases arise. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies for spinal cord injuries and diseases like ALS.
Researchers have pinpointed a new neurological target, the mesencephalic locomotor region, to improve walking recovery in people with spinal cord injuries. Electrical stimulation of this area has shown promise in animal models, and a clinical trial is underway.
A two-year grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation will support a pilot project implementing Vocational Resource Facilitation to investigate participant and stakeholder experiences. The goal is to enhance return-to-work rates and employment outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury.
A new study reveals that lampreys use body-sensing feedback to regain swimming abilities after spinal injury, challenging the conventional view of neural regeneration. Mathematical models suggest that this technique could be applied to humans with spinal injuries or diseases affecting movement.
Researchers aim to assess the effectiveness of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation and a cognitive training program in improving processing speed abilities and upper extremity function after spinal cord injury. The studies will test innovative approaches to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that transcutaneous spinal stimulation does not interfere with implanted intrathecal baclofen pump delivery systems. However, communication between the pump and its interrogator may be briefly affected due to electromagnetic interference.
A systematic review published in Topics in SCI Rehabilitation suggests that indwelling catheters do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to intermittent catheterization. The review found that only three studies reported significantly higher UTI rates with indwelling catheters, but all three had critical flaws.
The five-year project aims to enroll 500 working-age adults with brain or spinal cord injuries and explore the effectiveness of vocational resource facilitation services. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and other partners will provide targeted counseling and support to help individuals return to work after disabling neurotrauma.
A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences creates a spinal cord-like implant with covalent conjugation between biomaterials and cells, promoting cell retention and neural regeneration in rats after spinal cord injury. The study's findings have potential implications for human spinal cord tissue engineering therapy.
A new therapy, called spinal cord associative plasticity (SCAP), is showing promise in animal studies by enabling rats with spinal cord injuries to regain function of their arms. The treatment targets the nervous system connections spared by injury and causes lasting change in synapses or neurons.