Articles tagged with Spinal Cord Injuries
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The incidence rate of acute traumatic spinal cord injury remained relatively stable between 1993 and 2012, with a slight increase among older adults. The majority of cases were associated with falls, leading to a significant rise in spinal cord injuries among those 65 years or older.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that axon injury location affects regeneration in neurons. Injury before a branch point resulted in 89% regeneration, while cuts to both branches led to 67% regeneration.
Researchers at University of Queensland discovered a molecule called C5aR exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage after spinal cord injury. Administering an experimental drug that inhibits C5aR can improve recovery when given early after injury, potentially treating patients with spinal cord trauma.
Researchers are developing a groundbreaking therapy for spinal cord injury, enabling patients to regain autonomic control. The treatment involves epidural electrical stimulation, which stimulates nerves thought to be lost in spinal cord injuries.
A UBC study shows that Twitter is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, with 25% of tweets about spinal cord injury coming from medical experts. The study also found that users discussing Parkinson's disease were more likely to share new research tools and methods.
Researchers are using novel methods to understand how nerve cells form new connections after spinal cord injury, with the goal of restoring function and movement. A five-year NIH grant will allow them to isolate specific cell types and study their growth and interactions.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified interleukin-33 as the biological trigger for a protective immune response to spinal cord injury. This discovery holds promise for improved treatments and diagnostic tests for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and brain trauma.
A new study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center has made significant progress in understanding the role of human astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and spinal cord injuries. Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, have been found to play a crucial role in neuronal survival and proper nervous system signaling.
Researchers create e-Dura implant to reduce inflammation and rejection, allowing long-term application on spinal cord. The flexible device closely mimics living tissue, enabling simultaneous electrical stimulation and pharmacological delivery.
Muscle spindle sensory feedback promotes repair of damaged neuronal networks after spinal cord injury. Basic locomotor functionality can be restored spontaneously, but fine motor task performance remains permanently lost. Activation of muscle spindles is essential for recovery, suggesting a key role in designing novel treatment strateg...
A new study reveals that tobacco smoke's toxin acrolein can accumulate in the spinal cord and exacerbate pain in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers found that acrolein levels were 50% higher than normal, sparking hope for potential treatment with hydralazine.
Researchers developed a new peptide that promotes functional recovery following spinal cord injury, with 21 out of 26 animals regaining bladder control, movement, or both. The peptide allows nerve fibers to overcome scarring and promotes serotonergic sprouting, enabling critical functions to be restored.
A new drug called ISP was designed to mimic a critical part of an enzyme found in damaged axons, promoting recovery from spinal cord injuries. Injections of the drug partially restored axon growth and improved movements and bladder functions in paralyzed rats.
Researchers at Royal Holloway are working on a novel treatment for spinal cord injury, using an engineered form of chondroitinase to break down scar tissue and promote regeneration. The project aims to overcome the technical hurdle of delivering the protein to the injury site, a crucial step towards translating it into a clinical therapy.
A study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that paralyzed patients lose mechanical strength in their leg bones faster than expected, putting them at greater risk for fractures from minor stresses. Early therapies are crucial to maintain bone mass and strength.
Researchers have successfully transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from a patient's own olfactory bulb into the damaged spinal cord, followed by a nerve bridge procedure. This treatment resulted in improved sensory and motor function for the paralyzed individual.
Researchers at UCLA have made a significant breakthrough in treating bladder function in people with spinal cord injuries. They found that training and epidural stimulation enabled paralyzed rats to empty their bladders more fully and efficiently.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the brain/spinal cord barrier, cell death, and functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mice deficient in MMP-3 showed improved functional recovery and smaller volumes of injured tissue.
Researchers have discovered that ependymal progenitor cells can respond to purinergic receptors, which may lead to potential therapeutic alternatives in treating spinal cord injuries. A second study found that transplanted bone marrow cells enhanced neurological repair and remyelination of damaged areas.
Researchers suggest progesterone as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Studies demonstrate that progesterone preserves white matter integrity and improves locomotor function in animal models of spinal cord lesion.
A study published by Kessler Foundation found small but significant differences in self-care and mobility at discharge among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with non-Hispanic blacks showing less improvement compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The study used data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System...
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System report that neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) extended tens of thousands of axons across the rats' central nervous system. The study suggests a promising approach for treating spinal cor...
Researchers successfully grafted human induced pluripotent stem cells into rats with spinal cord injuries, causing the formation of mature neurons and extensive nerve fiber growth across long distances. However, functional recovery was not restored due to scar tissue blocking beneficial effects.
A new reporting standard has been proposed for spinal cord injury experiments to ensure uniformity in scientific reporting. The standard aims to facilitate the development of databases of experimental information, promoting the successful translation of treatments from laboratory to clinical settings.
Researchers propose combining axon regeneration with relay strategies to restore spinal cord injury function. Introducing a new host or graft-derived neuron is necessary to reestablish neuronal pathways and relay supraspinal signal transmission to target neurons.
Acrolein, a highly reactive aldehyde, contributes to motor and sensory deficits following spinal cord injury. Using acrolein scavengers may attenuate neuronal damage, making it a potential novel therapeutic target.
Spinal cord injury pain is a debilitating consequence of neurological disorders, interfering with rehabilitation and quality of life. Microenvironment modulation enhances stem cell therapy for SCI pain by preventing aberrant central sprouting of nociceptive fibers.
Ligaments disruption is a new perspective in the prognosis of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), offering a more accurate prediction of recovery outcomes. This approach has been published in Neural Regeneration Research and can be an essential tool for physicians in providing care to patients and families.
A lack of standards for experimental design and reporting hinders progress in developing therapeutics for spinal cord injuries. Implementing data standards and ontologies can facilitate transparency and analysis in neural plasticity and regeneration.
A recent study found that prolonged electrical stimulation does not cause damage to the sacral nerve roots of rabbits. The research suggests that neurons in the rabbit sacral nerve roots can tolerate long-term electrical stimulation, which could have implications for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
A combination treatment of gene inhibitor AAVshPTEN and salmon fibrin injections restored voluntary motor function impaired by spinal cord injury in rodents. This breakthrough expands on previous research at UCI and provides a novel scaffold for neuronal axons to grow and link up again.
Researchers developed a therapy combining motoneuron-like cell transplantation with GDNF delivery, reducing cavity formations and increasing cell density. This treatment exhibited superior promoting effects on motor function recovery compared to individual therapies.
Researchers developed a novel scaffold for repairing spinal cord injuries, utilizing a double-layer collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes. This innovative approach enhanced the delivery of neural stem cells to the target site, promoting improved repair and recovery outcomes.
Researchers successfully silenced the Nogo-66 receptor gene in BMSCs, blocking its inhibitory effect and promoting neuronal growth. This breakthrough enhances the therapeutic effects of BMSC transplantation for spinal cord injury repair, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers found that immune cells in the central nervous system of elderly mice fail to activate an important signaling pathway, lowering chances for repair after spinal cord injury. In contrast, young adult mice showed a functional repair response.
A multi-site study will test strategies to improve bone and muscle strength after spinal cord injury, with the goal of minimizing secondary complications. The study aims to develop safe and effective interventions to address rapid wasting of muscles and bones in individuals with SCI.
A groundbreaking study has enabled four paraplegic men to regain voluntary movement in their legs through epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The therapy, which mimics brain signals to initiate movement, demonstrates the potential for functional recovery even years after severe spinal cord injuries.
A novel therapy using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has helped four patients with paraplegia regain voluntary movement, including flexion of toes, ankles, and knees. Researchers believe this approach may change the prognosis for people with paralysis even years after injury.
Miriam Hwang's article on longitudinal changes in medical complications in adults with pediatric spinal cord injury won the Ernest Bors, M.D., Award. The award recognizes excellence among young investigators pursuing careers dedicated to bettering lives of individuals with spinal cord injury.
A new gene therapy has shown promising results in improving hind limb function in rats with spinal cord injuries. The treatment involves delivering a scar-busting gene that promotes the survival of nerve cells and reduces inflammation, leading to improved mobility and tissue repair.
A new clinical trial will assess whether multi-family group treatment can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers cope better. The two-year project focuses on providing psychological support and coping strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
The Kessler Foundation has received funding for five research projects focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation. These projects aim to improve pain management, functional outcomes, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery finds that diaphragm pacing stimulation is effective in weaning patients with spinal cord injuries from mechanical ventilators. The treatment can also bridge patients to independent respiration, allowing them to breathe on their own without assistance.
Rates of traumatic spinal cord injuries are rising fastest among those over 65, with falls being the leading cause. The average age of injured adults has increased from 41 to 51, and fatalities are more common in older individuals.
A study finds that 77 percent of spinal cord injury survivors have symptomatic sleep-disordered breathing, while 92 percent experience poor sleep quality. The nature of sleep apnea in these patients is complex, with a high occurrence of both obstructive and central sleep apnea events.
Researchers have developed a new measure to prevent iatrogenic spinal cord injury during surgery. Changes in somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) latency reflect the degree of spinal cord ischemic injury, while amplitude variations indicate late spinal cord reperfusion injury.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a 3-year research study to improve the health and quality of life of military personnel and civilians with spinal cord injury. The study aims to develop an assessment tool that evaluates individuals' ability to direct their care and their caregivers' skills in performing care tasks.
A group of Chinese experts collaborated to establish a standard for the management of acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury. The consensus, published in Neural Regeneration Research, provides guidelines for evaluating and treating these injuries based on evidence-based medicine and clinical experiences.
Research finds that suppressing fidgetin enzyme regrows injured nerve cells and their connections, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach for tissue regeneration and repair. The study's findings have implications for treating spinal cord injury, myocardial infarction, and chronic cutaneous wounds.
A systematic review of animal studies found that stem cell therapy can improve sensory and motor outcomes for spinal cord injury patients, with average improvements of 25% in both areas. The study's meta-analysis also revealed important lessons on how to design future animal studies.
Researchers found that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells improved autonomic nerve function in patients with spinal cord injury. The study used a simple electrophysiological detection method to assess sympathetic skin response, which showed significant recovery after treatment.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment that can help people with spinal cord injuries walk better. The study involved 19 participants who received short periods of breathing low oxygen levels, resulting in improved walking speed and endurance.
Researchers have identified a molecule that promotes nerve regeneration in the sea lamprey, an eel-like fish. The discovery may guide future efforts to promote recovery in humans who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Cyclic AMP acts as an 'on' switch to convert non-growing neurons into growing ones.
Researchers found that a virtual sailing simulator improved quality of life, self-confidence, and overall well-being for participants with chronic spinal cord injuries. The study showed rapid improvement in sailing skills and successful completion of sailing lessons on the water.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that electrical stimulation with a reversed polarity can effectively modulate injury potentials and promote the spontaneous repair of cell membranes in rats with spinal cord injuries. This study proposes a method to define stimulation intensity based on injury potential values.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that treadmill step training significantly improved spontaneous motor activity in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury. The training also promoted neural plasticity and growth-associated protein-43 expression, leading to functional recovery.
Researchers found that scar tissue formed by stem cells after spinal cord injury helps to prevent further damage and facilitates the survival of damaged nerve cells. The study suggests that more rather than less stem cell scarring could limit the consequences of a spinal cord injury.
A systematic review found that early spinal decompression surgery following traumatic spinal cord injury is associated with significantly greater motor and neurological improvement. However, the evidence supporting early spinal surgery lacks robustness due to various sources of bias.
Researchers found combined transplantation of astrocytes and decorin promotes axonal regeneration and growth, inhibiting astrocyte proliferation and glial scar formation. This therapy offers a potential new approach for spinal cord injury repair.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has published a new issue focusing on the latest research and treatment developments in spinal cord injury. The issue includes articles on various topics such as botulinum toxin use, urology, neuroscience, rehabilitation psychology, and more.