Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
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.
A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.
A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy significantly improves chronic back pain, with a median pain score decrease of 33% after follow-up. DRG stimulation disrupts pain signals by targeting specific nerves, avoiding unnecessary stimulation of nerve fibers from non-painful areas.
Four participants with motor complete spinal cord injury regained walking ability and trunk stability using epidural stimulation paired with daily locomotor training. The study, published in New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that some brain-to-spine connectivity may be restored years after injury.
Dr. Potter-Baker received the award for her research on transcranial direct current stimulation for upper limb functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The study was published in 2017 and has shown promising results.
A UCLA study reveals that magnetic stimulation of the lower spine can restore significant bladder control in people with spinal-cord injuries. The treatment improved patients' quality of life by an average of 60%, allowing them to urinate voluntarily for up to four weeks between treatments.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have successfully created a line of spinal cord neural stem cells that can be used to model diseases and potentially provide a scalable source of replacement cells for spinal cord injuries. The diverse cells, derived from human pluripotent stem cells, show promise in a...
A new gene therapy has been shown to restore hand function in rats with spinal cord injuries by breaking down scar tissue and allowing nerve cell regeneration. The therapy uses a 'stealth gene' switch that can be turned on and off, providing a safeguard and paving the way for human trials.
Researchers have developed a drug delivery system that repairs neural connections controlling breathing in female rats after spinal cord injury. The system, using brain-derived neurotrophic factor, preserves diaphragm function and motor neurons responsible for muscle activation.
Researchers at Drexel University successfully transplanted V2a interneurons into injured rodent spinal cords, improving respiratory function and demonstrating potential for future treatment of paralyzed patients. The study capitalizes on previous findings that these cells contribute to plasticity and self-repair in the spinal cord.
Researchers developed an imaging technique that reveals tiny brain motions induced by blood pulsation and CSF flow, enabling better visualization of brain motion. This method promises a long-awaited diagnostic tool for obstructive brain disorders, such as Chiari malformation I.
Researchers successfully regrew axons and repaired neural tissue in monkeys with spinal cord injuries using a biodegradable material loaded with neurotrophin3. The treatment promotes long-distance regeneration, functional recovery, and potential therapeutic implications for human SCI.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients with chronic sciatica have elevated levels of a neuroinflammation marker in the spinal cord and nerve roots. The study suggests that blocking neuroinflammation may be a viable treatment option for these patients, particularly those who benefit from steroid injections.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center mapped critical brain-to-spinal cord nerve connections that drive voluntary movement in forelimbs. The study identified specific neurons that control different skilled movements and provided insights into the organization and function of corticospinal circuits.
Researchers found that a drug called nalfurafine hydrochloride can deliver itch relief by targeting kappa opioid receptors on neurons in the spinal cord, potentially treating many types of chronic itching.
Researchers at EPFL have discovered that the brain reroutes task-specific motor commands through alternative pathways originating in the brainstem and projecting to the spinal cord. This rewiring leads to new connections between the brain and spinal cord, enabling rats to regain control over their paralyzed limbs.
A study led by Patrick Freund found that patients with smaller initial nerve loss have better long-term recovery. The researchers tracked microstructural changes in the spinal cord and brain after two years, predicting recovery trajectories using non-invasive neuroimaging.
A Salk Institute study has identified distinct molecular profiles in V2a neurons that control arm and leg movements, shedding light on neural regulation of motor control. The findings could lead to personalized stem-cell-based treatments for repairing spinal cord injuries.
A case study published in JAMA Neurology reports improved side effects for a man with a spinal cord injury after receiving an experimental electrical implant. The treatment, known as epidural stimulation, has shown positive changes in blood pressure control, bowel function, and energy levels.
Researchers at UCLA have uncovered a gene network that promotes the formation of spinal motor neurons in chicken and mouse embryos. The study sheds light on how embryonic development is orchestrated for motor neuron formation, with implications for stem cell-based therapies to repair or study neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that injecting a drug called chondroitinase ABC into the spinal cord can enhance recovery in stroke victims. The therapy, combined with rehabilitative training, showed significant improvements in sensorimotor deficits and allowed subjects to perform tasks at pre-stroke levels.
Researchers at University of Louisville find activity-based training improves bladder and bowel function, increases sexual desire in individuals with severe spinal cord injury. The training also strengthens neural circuits that control urogenital and bowel functions.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a new genetic pathway that plays an active role in neuron damage regeneration. The discovery of the PIWI-interacting small RNA (piRNA) pathway could offer therapeutic targets for helping neurons regrow after traumatic injuries and stroke.
The study found that genes responsible for repairing spinal cords in fish, such as the lamprey, are also present and active in mammals, including humans. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injuries in humans.
A study by MBL researchers found that genes aiding lamprey spinal cord healing are also active in mammalian peripheral nervous systems. The findings support the idea of harnessing these genes for improved spinal cord injury treatments.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that most patients with suspected spinal cord inflammation of unknown cause were later diagnosed with a specific condition. The study revealed that nearly 70% of patients received an alternative diagnosis, including multiple sclerosis and vascular strokes of the spinal cord.
A UNIST professor has been awarded for his work on a patch that can regenerate damaged spinal cords, with the aim of preventing further progression of damages and optimizing neurogeneration. The patch is currently in Phase III clinical trials and contains FDA-approved materials, showing promising therapeutic effectiveness.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has successfully transplanted genetically modified olfactory ensheathing cells that secrete a treatment enzyme, promoting nerve regrowth in rodent models of spinal cord injury. This approach may potentially lead to improved recovery and functional restoration for individuals with sev...
Researchers at Salk Institute reveal specific neurons called RORbeta interneurons inhibit transmission of disruptive sensory info, promoting a fluid gait during walking. This sophisticated spinal cord processing highlights the nervous system's ability to selectively shut off irrelevant information.
A study published in Spine Journal found that durotomy cases involving late detection and severe injury are more likely to result in a verdict in favor of the patient. The researchers identified 48 malpractice cases where incidental durotomy during spinal surgery led to litigation, with most resulting in a ruling in favor of the surgeon.
Researchers have successfully treated paraplegic rats using human stem cells, which have shown significantly improved mobility and sensory perception after spinal cord injury. The engineered tissue containing stem cells also demonstrated some degree of spinal cord healing.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have discovered the type of stem cell responsible for a gecko's ability to regrow its tail. The study found that the gecko's spinal cord contains radial glia stem cells, which proliferate and form new tissue after injury.
Researchers developed exercise recommendations for adults with spinal cord injuries, including moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises. The guidelines aim to improve fitness and reduce mortality rates among people with SCI, addressing leading causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Researchers discovered two sets of neural signals control diaphragm movement, one in the brain and one in the spinal cord. They used a drug to activate this alternative pathway, restoring breath-like movements in rodents.
Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute are creating an atlas of gene activity for all cells in the human spinal cord. The single-cell atlas will help researchers understand and treat spinal-cord disease and injury, including ALS.
Researchers identified a new mechanism for how spinal cord injury weakens the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Disrupting nerve fibers to the adrenal glands may be a promising treatment strategy to prevent or reduce infections.
Researchers have developed a new surgical technique to reconnect sensory neurons to the spinal cord, offering hope for treating traumatic spinal injuries. The technique involves implanting neural offshoots into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to form a functional neural circuit.
Researchers have pinpointed key molecules that prompt damaged nerve fibres in zebrafish to regenerate themselves. Understanding these signals could hold clues for therapies to help heal the spinal cord after injury.
Researchers found that rats partially recovered hind limb movement using cycling, semi-load bearing treadmill training, and serotonin treatment without healing the spinal cord break. The body re-routes nerve cell outputs to control muscles and stiffens back muscles to support weight and independent steps.
The SRK-015 antibody program demonstrated beneficial effects in a preclinical model of spinal cord injury, reducing muscle atrophy, fat infiltration, and improving muscle function. The findings support the potential of SRK-015 to address unmet needs in treating degenerative neuromuscular conditions.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and colleagues discover that nerve cells use two signals to measure position accurately, turning into the right type of cell. This finding could inform regenerative medicine and tissue engineering approaches.
Children with TB meningitis have a unique biological profile that helps assess disease severity and predict outcomes. This discovery enables doctors to make informed treatment decisions and provide novel treatments.
Six abstracts selected for their innovative therapy approaches and basic research providing knowledge to improve treatment or clarify mode of action. These include a new functional treatment for chronic low back pain and stimulation effects on postural instability in Parkinson's disease.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that axonal loss in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not the sole cause of chronic disability. The researchers discovered a substantial loss of synaptic connections in the MS spinal cord, which may drive disability. This new understanding could help identify targets for new treatments.
A new discovery at the University of Alberta found that chronic ischemia after spinal cord injury disrupts blood flow, leading to poor oxygenation and motor dysfunction. Elevating oxygen levels improved blood flow and restored function in rat models.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create stem cell-derived V2a interneurons that transmit signals in the spinal cord, potentially repairing spinal cord injuries. These cells integrate with existing cells and restore movement in mice, offering new hope for spinal cord injury treatment.
Researchers used 3D printing to create a model of a patient's lower spine, allowing for successful insertion of a catheter for spinal cord stimulation. The technique may provide additional information to improve access in cases where standard approaches prove difficult.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic successfully stimulated a man's paralyzed legs using electrical current, enabling him to move and stand. The study suggests that people with discomplete spinal cord injuries may be candidates for epidural stimulation therapy.
Scientists have created a new type of stretchable neural implant that can be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function. The fibers, developed by MIT researchers, can flex and stretch while delivering both optical and electrical impulses.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new brain pathway that controls hand movements, contradicting the long-held belief that motor functions originate from the frontal lobe. This finding has implications for understanding hand movement and may lead to better treatments for patients with motor function disorders.
A controlled study by UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research shows no added benefit from opening narrowed veins in treating multiple sclerosis. The findings debunk the claim that patients could achieve dramatic improvements from liberation therapy, an invasive procedure with significant financial cost and risk of complications.
Researchers found that itch and mild pain signals can be transmitted through the same spinal cord neurons, with GRP neurons acting as a 'braking system' to mitigate intense pain. In mice without these neurons, pain responses were increased and scratching behaviors were altered.
A study published in eLife found that differences in gene activity between the left and right hemispheres are responsible for handedness. The researchers also discovered that environmental influences during pregnancy can affect the development of precursors to handedness.
Researchers at San Diego State University have developed glassy carbon electrodes that transmit more robust signals to restore motion in people with damaged spinal cords. This innovation improves durability and signal quality, enabling better motor function restoration.
Patients with spinal cord injuries are at risk for various systemic complications, including pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Eighty percent of patients suffer from chronic pain, which affects their daily activities and emotional well-being.
A study found that genetic differences in the spinal cord of embryos contribute to handedness, with the left side maturing faster than the right. This early difference may trigger later brain asymmetries, including language dominance in most adults.
In two studies, researchers compared the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch to acellular dermal matrix and conventional suturing methods for in-utero spina bifida repair. The results showed improved spinal cord function with decreased meningeal scar formation and better preservation of spinal cord tracts.
Researchers evaluated the effects of laser tissue welding on simulated spina bifida repair in rabbits, finding that it did not cause damage to spinal cord or skin tissue. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in fetal surgical repair procedures, offering a possible solution for reducing complications and improving outcomes.
The UCLA team implanted a spinal stimulator in a California man who broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident, showing early promise in returning hand strength and movement. The device bypasses the injury by training the spinal cord to find alternate pathways, allowing patients to regain mobility in their hands.
Researchers identified a potential target for restoring ejaculation in men with spinal cord injuries or ejaculatory disorders by targeting the L3-L5 spinal segments. The study suggests that this approach could be a promising therapy for patients unable to ejaculate due to spinal cord injury or other ejaculatory disorders.