Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
A research team has won the NIH's Neuromod Prize for their innovative approach to spinal stimulation, which uses autonomic neuromodulation to regulate nervous system activity. The breakthrough could lead to improved autonomy and daily functioning for people with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a roadmap detailing how stem cells become sensory interneurons, which enable sensations like touch and pain. The study identifies protocols for producing all types of sensory interneurons in the laboratory, paving the way for cell therapies to restore sensation in people with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have discovered neural plastic changes that can improve functional recovery after a cervical spinal cord injury. Using an optogenetic neuromodulation strategy, they found that the intact corticospinal system in the opposite side of the brain and spinal cord can be modulated to take over control of the damaged forelimb, resu...
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating candidate drug can promote regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma. The research demonstrated that the drug, AZD1390, blocks the response to DNA damage in nerve cells and restores sensory and motor function after spinal injury.
Researchers developed a technology that uses surviving neurons to restore connection between brain and arm via specific stimulation pulses to the spinal cord. This allowed macaque monkeys with partial arm paralysis to improve precision, force, and range of movement in their arms.
Children using trampoline centers are at a higher risk of serious injuries and hospital admissions compared to those using trampolines at home. Mandatory safety standards for trampoline centers are urgently required, highlighting the need for public awareness and evidence-based safety measures.
Scientists have shown that a drug called AZD1236 can significantly reduce 'secondary damage' caused by spinal cord injury by blocking the inflammatory response. The treatment promotes significant nerve regeneration and improves movement and sensation, with an 85% improvement in these areas after just three days of treatment.
A study from Edith Cowan University reveals that electrical stimulation on specific nerves and relaxation techniques can reduce neural amplification in the spinal cord, which may help alleviate involuntary muscle spasms. These methods could provide a non-pharmacological alternative to current treatment options.
A gene therapy approach has effectively reduced neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries without detectable side effects. The treatment, which targets impaired neurons, resulted in long-lasting benefits persisting for at least 2.5 months.
A research team at HKUST has developed a long-term in vivo imaging technique to study spinal cord injury, allowing for repeated and stable imaging without triggering inflammation. The breakthrough enables researchers to track microglia and understand their interaction with degenerating and regenerating axons.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
Researchers at Rutgers University have successfully stabilized an enzyme that degrades scar tissue resulting from spinal cord injuries, promoting tissue regeneration. The study used AI-driven liquid handling robotics to synthesize and test copolymers that stabilize the enzyme, offering new hope for patients with spinal cord injuries.
The MagTrack study successfully completed a collaboration between Georgia Tech and Brooks Rehabilitation, creating a user-ready version of the assistive technology. Participants showed improved performance in controlling their power wheelchairs and connected devices with ease and comfort.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
The Tennessee AgrAbility Project has received new funding from the USDA, bolstering its impact and success into 2022. The program, a collaboration between the University of Tennessee Extension and NIFA, assists farmers and farm workers with disabilities by providing support, resources, and equipment to enhance their quality of life.
Scientists have created a new imaging method that can detect microscopic soft tissue damage in animal spines, which may lead to improved treatments for lower back pain. The technique uses fluorescent molecules to target denatured collagen and produce precise 3D maps of spinal damage.
A study using machine learning techniques found that maintaining an optimal range of blood pressure control during surgical repair of spinal injuries improves patient outcomes. The results suggest that precise upper and lower blood pressure targets, between 76-117mmHg, may help patients recover motor function after a spinal cord injury.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a narrower blood pressure range during surgery that significantly improves neuromotor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients whose mean arterial blood pressure was between 76 mmHg and 104-117 mmHg had maximal recovery, indicating a potential new treatment guideline.
Researchers developed an injectable therapy that uses bioactive signals to trigger cells to repair and regenerate damaged spinal cords. The therapy, which mimics the extracellular matrix of the spinal cord, has been shown to regenerate axons, reduce scar tissue, and improve motor neuron survival.
The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System has been funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research since 1990. The grant enables researchers to investigate new approaches to improving employment outcomes after spinal cord injury.
Researchers have identified a specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain. Disabling an intracellular enzyme called N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) can halt chronic pain development in mice, suggesting a new class of drugs to treat various forms of chronic pain.
The University of Minnesota Medical School will host a statewide center for spinal cord injury research and education, aiming to provide clinical care and expand research on the condition. The center will conduct studies and educate local physicians on their findings, particularly in reducing below-level neuropathic pain.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a drug that helps sensory neurons regrow after spinal cord injury. The drug, fenofibrate, activated support cells and improved recovery by about twice as much as a placebo. This finding offers potential for repurposing an FDA-approved compound to restore sensory function.
Research by James Krause and his team has shown that people with spinal cord injuries who develop resilience tend to have better health outcomes and live longer. This resilience allows them to adapt and thrive in the face of difficult circumstances, including neuropathic pain and feelings of isolation.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered a small molecule that potently attenuates neuroinflammation in brain and glial cells. This finding presents a promising new approach to treat neurological diseases driven by neuroinflammation, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and neuropathic pain.
A new study by Spinal Cord Injury Model System investigators found that remote wheelchair-skills training increases clinician confidence in teaching peers. The training program improved trainees' ability to navigate real-world spaces, empowering them to engage with their communities. This innovative approach has the potential to expand...
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 80% of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness, pain management, and to improve mobility and flexibility. However, there is a need for more res...
The study found that cycling accidents account for 81% of sports-related traumatic spine injuries, followed by skiing and snowboarding accidents. The research highlights the importance of implementing safety measures to prevent these types of injuries.
Researchers found that stiffness is the most problematic characteristic of spasticity after spinal cord injury, affecting daily life and function. Non-pharmacological interventions such as stretching and exercise are more effective than medications in managing symptoms.
Researchers found that one in four people with spinal cord injury relocated over a five-year period, often to high-poverty areas, increasing health risks. The study highlights the importance of considering residential mobility as a key social determinant of health for this population.
A study published in Cell Reports has shown that administration of senolytic drugs targeting 'zombie cells' in the scar tissue surrounding spinal cord injuries improves functional recovery. The zombie cells are senescent cells with interrupted growth and division but not programmed cell death, which persist in mammals and contribute to...
A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.
A study found that exoskeleton-assisted walking improved bowel evacuation time and stool consistency in participants with chronic spinal cord injury. The intervention plan included walking, not just standing, and resulted in notable improvements in bowel function.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to restore communication in people with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The system uses mental handwriting to record brain activity, allowing participants to compose sentences and communicate at a speed comparable to typing on a smartphone.
A pilot study found that micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injection provides significant and long-lasting pain relief for wheelchair users with chronic shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease. The study showed encouraging results, with nearly 80% of participants experiencing a meaningful decrease in pain symptoms.
The study found that spinal cord injury-dependent effects on bacteria and viruses were observed, with beneficial bacteria decreasing and potentially pathogenic bacteria increasing. Functional microbial genes encoding essential pathways for central nervous system function were also reduced after spinal cord injury.
Researchers are developing a method to convert astrocytes into neurons using the NeuroD1 gene, aiming to restore connections in the brain and spinal cord after an injury. The goal is to promote functional recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new, rapid screening approach using CRISPR/Cas9 technology identified immune system-related genes crucial for zebrafish spinal cord injury repair. The study found four genes essential for repairing severed spinal nerve connections.
A team of scientists has identified serum cytokine concentrations as a quick and affordable means of classifying the severity of spinal cord injury in patients. The study aims to provide personalized healthcare decisions and accelerate research into spinal cord injury, with potential applications in developing countries.
Researchers at Nagoya University identified a gene that enables African clawed frog tadpoles to regenerate nerves. Introducing this gene into mice with spinal cord injuries led to partial recovery of motor functions. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries.
Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a polymerized estrogen biomaterial that shows promise as a treatment for spinal cord injuries. The study found enhanced neuroprotection in preclinical mouse models with implanted polymerized estrogen, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
UofL and Medtronic will develop a closed-loop system to monitor and adjust stimulator settings for multiple functions, including locomotion and bladder control. The project aims to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury by reducing manual interaction and increasing positive outcomes.
Researchers developed injectable porous scaffolds that facilitate faster and better spinal cord healing by mimicking natural tissue. The highly regular pore structure improved cell infiltration, gene delivery, and tissue repair after spinal cord injury.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have successfully reprogrammed NG2 glial cells into functional neurons, potentially leading to improved recovery after spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to be translated into a clinically relevant repair strategy.
Scientists discovered a way to reprogram scar-forming cells in mouse spinal cords to produce new nerve cells, improving recovery after spinal cord injury. The breakthrough could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who suffer from spinal cord injuries.
Amanda Botticello's study explores environmental barriers to community integration, while Denise Fyffe examines racial disparities in functional independence. Jeanne Zanca's project focuses on neurofeedback for managing neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Researchers have developed a treatment that allows patients with spinal cord injuries to regain control of their blood pressure, reducing the risk of life-threatening consequences. The treatment uses biomimetic electrical stimulation to adapt to real-time blood-pressure measurements and restore hemodynamic balance.
Researchers at UCalgary and Swiss institutions discovered a new method to regulate blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries using targeted epidural electrical stimulation. The study's findings show that this technique can stabilize hemodynamics, allowing vital organs to maintain an appropriate supply of blood without medication.
A mouse study found that gabapentin can prevent harmful structural changes in the injured spinal cords of mice, block cardiovascular changes and immune suppression. This could lead to improved quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has developed a novel approach to treat spinal cord injuries by stimulating nerve cell regeneration with a designer cytokine. In a groundbreaking study, they successfully restored walking ability in paralyzed mice, paving the way for future human trials.
A new pilot study using electromagnetic field stimulation has shown promise in restoring arm and hand function in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries. The study, conducted at Kessler Foundation, aims to improve motor control and activities of daily living for those with chronic spinal cord injury.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new treatment that uses skin-surface stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain hand and arm mobility. After a five-month training program, six participants showed significant improvements in hand function, which lasted for up to six months after treatment ended.
Researchers at FEFU Medical Center propose a new treatment protocol for severe spasticity after spinal cord injury, exploring the use of spinal cord stimulation and Intrathecal Baclofen infusion pumps. The study showed improved motor functions in patients with implanted Baclofen pumps, suggesting a promising approach for rehabilitation.
The Kessler Foundation received a $10,000 grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to facilitate ongoing spinal cord injury education for inpatients and their families. This virtual education format enables group interaction despite physical distancing measures, providing additional support for caregivers.
A multi-center US trial shows that exoskeleton training is safe, feasible, and effective in improving mobility in individuals with spinal cord injury. The study found that most participants mastered the ability to ambulate effectively with the assistance of an exoskeleton after 12-36 sessions.
Researchers found that targeting the heart to increase blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the injured spinal cord, potentially reducing damage and improving function. This new approach could lead to a change in how newly injured patients are managed, with improved chances of retaining motor function.
Engineers at UC Davis are developing interventions to stabilize blood flow and pressure within days of injury to improve functional recovery. They will use personalized 3D printed scaffolds and neural stem cells to regenerate lost connections in the spinal cord.
Scientists have successfully reconnected damaged neuronal networks in spinal cord injuries using carbon nanotube sponges. The breakthrough enables functional results, with animals regaining mobility in affected limbs. Further research is needed to explore the material's properties and conditions for implantation.
Thirty years after the ADA, employment rates remain low for individuals with spinal cord injury. New models like individual placement and support (IPS) and vocational resource facilitation (VRF) are helping more people achieve competitive employment.