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spinal cord injury research

Spinal Cord Injury Research: What Recent Breakthroughs Mean

VWB Blog 1 year ago 41

If you’re reading this, you probably have a friend or relative who suffered a spinal cord injury at some point. While most of these are due to car and workplace accidents, a few stems from health issues and other causes.

Keep reading to learn more about spinal cord injury research in and out of the medical profession. You’ll want to know about this to help your loved one heal faster or know what to expect should you suffer such an injury yourself.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

spinal cord injury (SCI) is any damage to the spinal cord that impacts its functioning. A traumatic event, a tumor, an infection, or a degenerative disorder can cause it. It can result in the following:

  • full or partial paralysis
  • loss of sensation
  • loss of reflexes
  • pain
  • difficulty with speech
  • breathing
  • bladder control

Recent breakthroughs in SCI research offer hope that people with SCI may experience some improvement in quality of life. With the development of hormone and stem-cell-based treatments, researchers are finding ways to improve sensation and movement in those with SCI.

How Is Spinal Cord Injury Research Advancing?

The latest spinal cord injury research is advancing rapidly. Recent breakthroughs have provided hope not only to those with spinal cord injuries. It also provides hope to their families and the medical community as well.

A great deal of effort has been dedicated to the development of scaffolds. This replaces the lost tissue and tissue engineering, which allows for the recovery of nerve cells connected to the scaffold.

Exploring the Latest SCI Breakthroughs

Scientists are working to repair the communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. One key area of SCI research is neural regeneration therapy, which uses stem cells to facilitate nerve growth and repair.

Researchers are also exploring the implantation of microelectrodes. This creates more permanent and stable pathways for neural communication.

Evaluating the Impact of Innovative SCI Treatment

In recent years there has been a considerable investment in research. This is devoted to understanding the physiological and neurological changes associated with SCI. It also develops new treatments to diagnose and treat this life-altering condition.

Researchers are exploring these treatments to determine the short-term and long-term benefits to patients’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Exploring SCI Research From Around The World

Countries like the United States, Japan, and Canada are known for their leading research in this field. The United States has multiple research and rehabilitation centers that assist patients with SCI. They are also grasping new strategies on how to reverse spinal cord injuries and look for alternative cure for spinal cord injury.

Japan has the Spinal Cord Unit of the National Rehabilitation Center. This is the largest department-based research center addressing spinal cord injuries globally. At the same time, Canada’s state-of-the-art spinal cord injury research center finds new treatment approaches and therapies.

Discover the Latest Developments in Spinal Cord Injury Research

Spinal cord injury can have a life-altering impact. It is encouraging that research is being conducted to develop better treatments and improve outcomes for those with spinal cord injuries.

Furthering your education on the matter is just the beginning of pursuing knowledge. Act today by researching the latest spinal cord injury research developments and supporting spinal cord injury awareness.

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