Research May Eventually Help Rejuvenate Spinal Cord Function

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Spinal Cord Injuries on Friday, July 26, 2013.

Spinal cord injuries have an enormous impact on a person’s life, and the costs—financial and emotional—can be great. Research is continually being done on ways to improve quality of life for those with spinal injuries, but progress is slow.

Researchers at &M are currently working on a therapy to help paralyzed canines get back some of their lost function. The hope with the research is that the research will lead to a therapy that can be applied to men and women who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

The researchers are apparently testing a drug that would block enzymes that destroy spinal cord functioning in the wake of an injury. The project has reportedly received $900,000 in grant money from the Department of Defense. Last year, similar research in Britain was successful in helping paralyzed dogs regain the ability to use their limbs, so there is hope.

According to &M, spinal cord injuries are the second most costly injury one can receive. A person who receives a spinal cord injury at the age of 25 can end up paying between $729,000 to $3.2 million in expenses over his or her lifetime. Very few people who suffer a spinal cord injury are prepared to face those costs.

Spinal cord injuries affect people from all walks of life, and can occur in a variety of settings. In this case, the funding comes from the Department of Defense because there is interest in helping veterans who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are another common source of spinal cord injuries, as well as other injuries.

Source: CBS News, “New research on paralyzed dogs aimed at helping humans,” Ryan Jaslow, July 24, 2013.