WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Brain & Nervous System Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Living With a Spinal Cord Injury - Search for a Cure

Although, in the past, the results of a spinal cord injury (SCI) were considered permanent, new research is changing this perception-there may be a cure for paralysis some day.

When nerve cells in the spinal cord are damaged, they cannot always repair themselves, and other nerve cells in the area cannot continue to grow. Some of the major research for SCIs looks at ways to stimulate activity in damaged nerve cells (neurorestorative), stimulate growth in damaged nerve cells (neuroregenerative), transplant new nerve tissue into the spinal cord (neuroconstructive), and insert genes into the spinal cord (neurogenetic). Research is also looking at ways to improve what people with SCIs can do physically (functional research).

The pace of research is often slow. Spinal cord injuries are extremely complex, and research must move from theory to practical and from animal studies to human studies. When a therapy is being studied in humans, it must be proven beneficial and safe, and it can take years before it reaches the public.

Following are some of the areas where research is being done. Some of them may be at the point where people with SCIs are using them on a trial basis. Others might still be in the animal-study stage. They all have the potential to lead to a return of some feeling and movement in paralyzed areas.

For more information on research for a cure for an SCI, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.

Neurorestorative and neuroregenerative

These types of research look at ways to stimulate activity of or growth in damaged nerve cells.

  • Potassium channel blockers, such as 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), may improve communication between undamaged areas and damaged areas. This medication is currently undergoing early tests with humans.
  • Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, regulate neuron growth. They may help regeneration of nerve cell growth.
  • Nogo blockers. Nogo is a chemical that prevents axons, part of a nerve cell, from growing. Axons carry messages between nerve cells. Nogo research looks at ways to block nogo, thus allowing axon growth.
  • Glatiramer acetate is a medication used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It may stimulate the immune system to produce a type of cell (lymphocytes) that in turn protects the spinal cord and may stimulate regeneration.

Neuroconstructive and neurogenetic

Neuroconstructive research explores transplanting cells into the spinal cord, and neurogenetic research involves inserting genes into the spinal cord.

  • Stem cells are immature cells that have the ability to grow into any one of the body's cell types, including those destroyed or injured in an SCI. The stem cells are transplanted into the spinal cord. Stem cells can come from animals or humans and can be embryonic, fetal, or adult.
  • Other types of cells may also be useful in helping people with SCIs. These include olfactory ensheathing glia, Schwann cells, and precursor cells.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 22, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:
webMD Video

click to expand/contract  When Dizzy Equals Danger

48x48_dizzy_diagnosis.jpg

Many people experience dizzy spells, but how much is too much? Learn when dizzy equals danger.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Brain Aneurysm Bypass

click to expand/contract  New Meningitis Vaccine

click to expand/contract  Is Your Memory Normal?

click to expand/contract  Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise

Would you consider trying alternative or complementary therapies?


Most Popular Stories