Kentucky study advances new target for CNS drug development

A breakthrough discovery by scientists at the University of Kentucky could someday lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases of the brain, spinal cord and the eye. Researchers led by Royce Mohan, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual science in the UK College of Medicine, found that the small molecule withaferin A can simultaneously target two key proteins — vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) — implicated in a damaging biological process called reactive gliosis. Continue Reading »

Antidepressant improves recovery from spine injury

CHICAGO, Oct 18 (Reuters) – A common antidepressant combined with an intensive treadmill training program helped people with partial spinal cord injuries walk better and faster, U.S. researchers said on Sunday.

They said Forest Laboratories’ antidepressant Lexapro or escitalopram, which affects a message-carrying brain chemical called serotonin, helps strengthen remaining nerve connections along the spine, giving patients with spinal cord injuries more ability to control their muscles during training. Continue Reading »

Ten-year follow-up of sildenafil use in spinal cord-injured patients with erectile dysfunction

Data are sparse concerning the long-term effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (ED).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term sildenafil use in subjects with ED caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). Continue Reading »

Research Seeks Cure For Central Pain Syndrome

Those with spinal cord injuries, who have multiple sclerosis, or who’ve suffered a stroke are also often diagnosed with central pain syndrome.

It’s a harsh reality for people with debilitating conditions like spinal cord injury or stroke.

Many of them live with chronic, excruciating pain.

Kellye Lynn reports research is underway in Baltimore which could someday end the suffering for patients with central pain syndrome.

Patients who have the condition say it feels like being stabbed with a thousand burning knives. Continue Reading »

New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

“Stem cell research and regenerative medicine are in an extremely exciting phase right now. We are gaining knowledge very fast and many companies are being formed and are starting clinical trials in different areas,” says Dr Jonas Frisén.

As an example, a first-in-human study was just initiated for Parkinson’s disease patients with the drug product, sNN0031, from the Swedish company NeuroNova. Continue Reading »

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Co-Transplantation Prevents Embryonic Stem Cell Transplant-Associated Tumors

Transplanted embryonic stem cells are recognized as a potential treatment for patients suffering from the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, in studies using embryonic stem cells transplanted into SCI laboratory animals, a serious drawback has been the development of tumors following transplantation.

Publishing in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (Vol. 18 No.1), a team of Japanese researchers describe their study that demonstrates a way to eliminate the problem of tumor growth by co-transplanting bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) along with embryonic stem cells. Continue Reading »

Pharmacological Management of Hemodynamic Complications Following Spinal Cord Injury

The damage from primary and secondary insults of spinal cord injury can result in various hemodynamic alterations. It is important to understand the presentation and time course of these changes, in addition to the management of each, to avoid further clinical deterioration and complications.

Traumatic spinal cord injury has an incidence of 10,000 cases per year with a prevalence of approximately 200,000 people in the United States.1 These numbers do not account for deaths in the field, which are estimated to occur in 16% to 30% of these cases. The patient demographics mirror that of the general trauma population with the average age around 30 years and a male predominance. Although motor vehicle collisions account for roughly half of all spinal cord injury cases, other events including assaults, falls, work-place injuries, and sporting accidents account for a large portion of the rest.2
Pathophysiology Continue Reading »

Beauty is his business

Francesco Clark was an athletic, 24-year-old fashion assistant at Harper’s Bazaar who dreamed of one day becoming editor in chief of GQ magazine.

Then he dove into a swimming pool on a June evening in 2002 and broke his neck.

The paralyzing injury put him in a wheelchair, but it also affected his body in ways unexpected. Continue Reading »

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Chronic Pain Study

If you experience chronic nerve pain a year or more following a SCI you may be eligibe to participate in a 5-month clinical study sponsored by Pfizer of an investigational medication. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the study medication in relieving chronic nerve pain associated with SCI. Participants may receive study-related physical and neurological examinations, electrocardiograms, and laboratory tests at no cost, plus compensation for their time. Transportation will be provided, or travel costs will be reimbursed. Most important, your participation may help others by contributing to research that may lead to improved treatments. Continue Reading »

Learning to live a new kind of life

Gothenburg teen with spinal cord injury learns about change

She’s paralyzed from her belly button to her toes but Aubrey Freeze was more than ready to return home.

After spending more than three months in hospitals, the Gothenburg High School senior was released from Craig Hospital in Denver, CO, on April 1.

“I’m doing good now that I’m home,” she said. Continue Reading »