New model 'predicts walking after spinal injury'RSS Feed

Scientists have developed a simple model which predicts which patients will walk unaided after spinal cord injury and which will need assistance.

Researchers from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center in the Netherlands combined age, motor function and touch sensitivity in spinal injury patients to work out which would walk again.

The study, published online in the Lancet, found that the model was more accurate and less consuming than the AIS grading system.

"To do accurate and reliable assessments of the four neurological tests, a physician must have experience in the physical examination of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury," the authors noted.

Meanwhile, research published in journal PLoS One, investigated the potential application of human astrocytes in spinal injury therapies.

When tested on paralysed rates, the astrocytes were found to repair the nervous system quickly and enable the animals to walk again.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by spinal injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

Lou Gehrig's 'caused by lack of key protein'

07 March 2011

The brain and spinal injury seen in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is due to the role of a key protein, scientists have said.Research, published in journal Nature Neuroscience,...

Read More...

Astrocyte cells 'repair spinal injury'

03 March 2011

Scientists have discovered a specific type of human cell which could revolutionise the treatment of spinal injury.Research, published in journal PloS ONE, investigated the potential application of human...

Read More...

Old bones used for spinal injury research

01 March 2011

Scientists are developing new treatments for chronic spinal injury using human skeletons dating as far back as 100 years. The research is coupling cutting-edge computer modelling techniques developed at...

Read More...