Research Shows New Options to Boost Regeneration of Damaged Nerves After Spinal Cord Injury
Download MP3In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the latest advancements in spinal cord injuries. Our guests specialize in spinal injuries.
The main cause of spinal cord injury is a sudden traumatic blow to the back, such as a fall. Another cause is a gunshot wound or a knife wound. In either case, the spinal cord is damaged in the immediate area, and subsequent swelling, inflammation, and fluid may accumulate.
The goal of treatment of spinal cord injury is to minimize the damage caused by both primary and secondary injuries. Initial treatment involves immobilizing the spine to limit further injury, which can be achieved with a brace or hard collar. A physician may administer IV fluids and medications to help maintain blood pressure. In some cases, oxygen or bone graft may be required to support the spinal cord. Most recently stem cell treatments are becoming standard for primary spinal cord injuries.
Functional electrical stimulation, which involves the use of electrodes placed on the skin, can help patients regain strength and range of motion Depending on the type of spinal cord injury, rehabilitation may be necessary. The central nervous system has neuroplasticity, meaning that it is able to regain many functions after spinal cord injury. Several studies have shown that FES can improve recovery from spinal cord injury.
Links from Show
https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/spinal-cord-injury-research-program
https://www.neura.edu.au/research-centre/spinalcordresearchinjurycentre/
https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/spinal-cord-regeneration-sci/
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/research/spinal-cord-injury/index.aspx
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