Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
In a breakthrough study, scientists successfully implanted highly specialized neural stem cell grafts directly into mouse spinal cord injuries, showing they integrated with host networks and behaved like neurons. The grafts displayed spontaneous activity, responded to sensory stimuli, and formed functional connections with host neurons.
A pilot study of a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and home-based exercise program showed encouraging results in reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Participants reported decreased pain levels, with three describing their pain as 'much improved', after the treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that spinal cord injuries in mice cause an acquired bone marrow failure syndrome contributing to chronic immune dysfunction. The study also discovered a potential treatment using the FDA-approved drug Plerixafor to mobilize cells from the bone marrow niche and restore immune function.
Research from McMaster University suggests that high-intensity interval training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in people with spinal cord injuries, matching the benefits of longer bouts of moderate intensity exercise. The study also found that HIIT is generally tolerable and poses few risks for this population.
Scientists have developed a new treatment to reduce swelling after brain and spinal cord injuries, offering hope to 75 million victims worldwide. The breakthrough uses the already-licensed anti-psychotic medicine trifluoperazine to alter aquaporin behaviour in cells, preventing cell swelling and pressure build-up.
Researchers at Temple University Health System use Lin28 to fuel axon regrowth in mice with spinal cord injury or optic nerve damage, enabling repair of the body's communication grid. The study shows significant improvements in coordination and sensation after Lin28 treatment.
Researchers are teaming up to understand why critical nerve cells continue to die after spinal cord injuries and aim to develop more effective treatments by enhancing or limiting the immune response. They'll use a new probe developed by one scientist to track dead cells as they're swallowed up by immune cells.
A team of researchers has restored sensation to a paralyzed man's hand using a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, enabling him to detect objects by touch and experience enhanced control. The BCI system enhances neural signals that are too small for conscious perception, resulting in greatly improved motor function.
Adults with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders (19.3% vs 14.1%) and depressive disorders (29.3% vs 9.3%). The study highlights the need for understanding mental health needs in this patient population to improve quality of life.
A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers shows that administering nimodipine, an already approved drug for high blood pressure, can prevent the development of spasticity after spinal cord injuries. The effect is long-lasting and continues even after treatment has stopped.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that adult brain cells revert to an embryonic state after injury, allowing them to regenerate new connections. The study identifies the essential genetic pathway involved in this process, which sustains regeneration by a gene known as Huntingtin.
Researchers have developed new frameworks and recommendations for managing neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury. These guidelines aim to improve independence, self-efficacy, and quality of life among individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Kessler Foundation receives a $250,000 grant from the Derfner Foundation to expand regenerative rehabilitation research and develop new treatments for musculoskeletal and neurological injuries. The lab will focus on restoring function to individuals with disabilities caused by injuries, disease, and aging.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that boosting energy levels in damaged nerve fibers can promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Deleting a protein anchor in the mitochondria also improved motor functions.
A UBCO professor has developed an online platform to help people living with spinal cord injury lead a more active life. The new guideline provides clear and accessible information on the amount and type of activity needed to achieve health benefits, helping to overcome a major barrier to physical activity.
A new study identifies Plexin-B2 as a key protein in wound healing and neural repair following spinal cord injury. The finding could aid the development of therapies targeting axon guidance pathways for more effective treatment of SCI patients.
A new injection technique has been developed to deliver neural precursor cells to spinal cord injuries, reducing further trauma and promoting reparative cell propagation. This method may have utility for multiple neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
University of Alberta researcher Karim Fouad found that rats with spinal injuries experienced changes in gut bacteria and anxiety-like behavior. Fecal transplants from healthy rats restored normal gut bacteria, reducing anxiety. The study suggests that gut health may play a crucial role in mental well-being after spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for chronic pain caused by burns, targeting PAK1 molecule. The discovery of Romidepsin, an existing cancer drug, provides a promising avenue for re-purposing to treat long-lasting complications.
Dr. Rakesh Pilkar is developing a novel system called SMARTq to monitor true muscle responses to neuromuscular stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury and complete spinal cord injuries. The tool aims to improve functional outcomes by tailoring stimulation protocols.
A Columbia Engineering team has invented a robotic device called the Trunk-Support Trainer (TruST) that can help people with spinal cord injuries sit more stably. The study found that TruST enabled patients to expand their active sitting workspace by an average of 25%, improving their trunk control and balance limits.
A novel therapeutic target for promoting neuroprotection has been identified in the lumbar circuit below a spinal cord injury, suggesting potential hope for restoring motor function. The discovery uses animal models to show that neuromodulation of interrupted lumbar motor circuits with neurotrophic therapy improves locomotor performance.
Researchers found that treating spinal cord injuries with conditioned stem cells boosted neural growth and improved motor function in rat models. After four months, the treated rats showed a three-fold increase in motor activity and significant improvements in cell survival, offering new hope for human treatment.
Dr. Jeanne Zanca, a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, was named Fellow of the ACRM for her outstanding record of professional service and national significance in spinal cord injury rehabilitation research. Her work focuses on prevention and management of secondary complications of SCI.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that gabapentin promotes regeneration of neural circuits, restoring up to 60% of forelimb function in treated mice. The drug blocks activity of a protein that hinders axon growth after injury.
A clinical trial enrolled 10 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries to receive stem cell injections, with the first patient demonstrating significant improvement in motor and sensory functions. The study's early findings suggest that patient response varies, but the treatment may offer a new option for improving physical function a...
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that frailty is a significant predictor of poor outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury, particularly in patients younger than 75. The researchers identified frailty as a risk factor for adverse events, acute hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary has found that individuals with spinal cord injuries experience fatigue more than people without, with a nine times greater risk. The study also revealed that sleep-related breathing problems are associated with reduced brain health and increased risk of stroke in this population.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.4% in October 2018 to 30.7% in October 2019, while the labor force participation rate also declined. Researchers at Kessler Foundation attribute this trend to inadequate vocational planning and rehabilitation services.
A team of researchers led by Brown University will develop and test an 'intelligent spinal interface' to help restore limb movement and bladder control for people with spinal cord injuries. The device aims to record signals from above the injury site and use them to drive electrical stimulation below the lesion.
Dr. Kristin L. Garlanger has been awarded the Ernest Bors, MD Award for Scientific Development by the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. Her research explores functional outcomes in patients with co-occurring traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, shedding light on ways to tailor rehabilitation protocols to improve outcomes.
A multi-site study will assess the safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with exercise therapies to improve upper limb function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. The study aims to explore the effects of tDCS on strength, dexterity, and independence.
A team from Ruhr-University Bochum has deciphered a new mechanism that enables the regeneration of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. By eliminating the inhibiting protein PTEN, researchers can partially restore regenerative capacity in nerve cells, but direct inhibition is not suitable due to cancer risks.
The Kessler Foundation will conduct a pilot study using functional MRI to develop new strategies for managing neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The study aims to train participants to use neurofeedback to modulate their brain activity and reduce pain sensations.
Researchers used nanoparticles to intercept immune cells in mice with spinal cord injuries, reprogramming them before they reached the injured site. This led to reduced inflammation, scarring, and a more regenerative healing environment.
A new minimally invasive intervention has been shown to provide long-term relief from chronic refractory shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue was injected into the affected shoulder joint, resulting in significant pain reduction and functional improvement.
Kessler Foundation is launching groundbreaking research at its Center for Spinal Stimulation to explore two novel treatments: transcutaneous and epidural spinal stimulation. Preliminary studies show promising results in individuals with paralysis, enabling them to stand during stimulation and regain voluntary movement.
Researchers aim to identify cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury, enabling them to receive necessary care and achieve maximal independence. A multi-site study will develop and test an abbreviated cognitive screening tool using portions of well-regarded neuropsychological tests.
Researchers will investigate the relationship between cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function in individuals with spinal cord injury. The study aims to develop interventions promoting independence, social integration, and improved quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury.
Researchers will conduct a randomized trial of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection to alleviate disabling shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. The study aims to explore regenerative approaches to reducing pain and disability among individuals with spinal cord injury.
Two patients with paraplegia regained the ability to walk with minimal assistance through a fully non-invasive brain-machine interface, producing over 4,500 steps. The technology combines EEG-based brain control with functional electrical stimulation to produce a smoother gait pattern.
Dr. Lane's research team is working to enhance spontaneous neuroplasticity and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Recently published studies have shown promising results in transplanting laboratory-grown neural cells to improve respiratory function in rodents with spinal cord injuries.
A team of MU neurobiologists have annotated the sequences of 47 ion channels across the lamprey genome, shedding light on their role in nervous system function and recovery from spinal cord injury. This advancement paves the way for further investigations into the molecular aspects of the nervous system.
Scientists discovered that providing rodents with more space, exercise and toys before a spinal cord injury can 'prime' their cells, making it more likely for damaged nerves to regenerate. Researchers also found a key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) that may be effectively reprogramming nerve cells.
Research in mice and rats reveals a molecular pathway stimulated by physical activity that promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. A key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) is identified as a therapeutic target to increase regeneration, with promising results in animal models.
Neuronal feedback from sites below the spinal cord injury plays a crucial role in early recovery and maintaining regained motor functions. Incomplete injuries can recover spontaneously with activating specific sensory feedback pathways promoting detour circuits.
Researchers have successfully transplanted adult spinal cord grafts into spinal cord transected rats to improve locomotor function, promoting the recovery of motor function and survival of neural cells.
A three-year study will evaluate the efficacy of MyoPro to improve upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living in individuals with incomplete SCI. The study aims to provide data needed to expand rehabilitation options for veterans and lay the foundation for home-based strategies for improved recovery.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrate spinal cord stimulation can immediately restore some voluntary movement and autonomic functions years after a paralyzing injury. The study expands inclusion guidelines for epidural stimulation, offering new hope for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered that a natural immune system response can cause further harm after a spinal cord injury. The study found that the process of clearing myelin debris from the injury site can lead to inflammation and the formation of abnormal blood vessels, inhibiting recovery.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers found specific cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), including information processing speed and verbal fluency impairments. These findings support the theory of accelerated brain aging after SCI, with implications for further research and targeted cognitive interventions.
Researchers created a 3D printed scaffold that mimicked natural anatomy and boosted stem cell-based treatment for spinal cord injuries. The implants supported tissue regrowth, stem cell survival, and axon outgrowth in rats, leading to significant functional motor improvement.
Researchers identified a suite of genes that must be turned off for axons to regenerate in peripheral nerves after injury. To regrow, neurons must transition back to an immature state and re-engage developmental programs. The study provides evidence for the idea that cells must become less mature to regenerate.
A new study finds that spinal cord injuries profoundly impact the body's internal clocks, affecting body temperature, hormone fluctuations, immunity, and other bodily processes. The researchers discovered that expression of clock genes was reduced in both injured and uninjured tissue, with implications for recovery.
Researchers found that spinal cord injuries disrupt circadian rhythms of hormones, body temperature and movement, resulting in widespread disruption throughout the body. This could lead to new recovery efforts targeting daily schedules, sleep, physical rehabilitation and bright light.
A study of male and female rats found that moderate spinal cord damage alters daily body temperature and activity patterns. Restoring normal routines through circadian therapies may promote recovery after spinal cord injury.
A breakthrough study has demonstrated that long-term effects of spinal cord trauma on breathing and limb function may be reversible. Rats treated with a new therapy regimen regained complete diaphragm and partial forelimb function, with full recovery maintained six months after treatment.
Scientists at Temple University Health System have identified LKB1 as a critical regulator of axon regeneration in mature neurons, leading to significant gains in functional recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries. Targeted upregulation of LKB1 protein stimulated long-distance neuron regeneration and improved locomotor function.
Researchers discovered large immune cells called macrophages play a vital role in repairing damaged nerve connections in zebrafish. These molecules dampen inflammation at the injury site, enabling nerve cells to bridge gaps and repair lost connections.
A team at the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto has developed a novel strategy to target dormant neurons that can restore breathing following spinal cord injury. The research, published in Nature, shows promise for treating dysfunctional breathing, a major cause of death or disease among people with spinal cord injuries.