New spinal injury treatment 'cuts damage and pain'RSS Feed

Scientists have uncovered a new treatment for spinal cord injury, which minimises nerve damage and pain in the condition.

A study at Rutgers University found that there is increased production of a protein known as RhoA which prevents the regeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord, stopping the spinal injury from healing.

Scientists used a chemically-synthesised siRNA molecule to decrease RhoA production, thereby counteracting some of its effects.

Martin Grumet of the institute said: "It is exciting because this minimally-invasive treatment can selectively target the injured tissue and thereby promote healing and reduce pain."

These findings are sure to be particularly important to Rutgers University, following the high profile spinal injury of its football player Eric LeGrand last year.

LeGrand suffered a severe spinal injury after a tackle went wrong during a game, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in brain injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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