Scientists 'restore breathing' in spinal cord injuryRSS Feed

Scientists have developed a technique which could restore breathing in patients with upper spinal injury.

A team from Case Western Reserve University bridged a spinal cord injury, reconnecting lost nerve connections to the diaphragm, according to research published in journal Nature.

In the study, which was carried out on mice, this treatment restored between 80 and more than 100 per cent breathing function.

Senior author Jerry Silver, professor of neurosciences at the institute, explained that a combination of a peripheral nerve graft and an enzyme were used to restore breathing.

 "We've shown for the very first time that robust, long distance regeneration can restore function of the respiratory system fully," he said.

In other news, spinal cord injury patients at the Nova Southeastern University have been given iPads.

Using a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the hospital purchased 20 of the devices in the belief that they will improve the lives of those with spinal cord injury.

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

Posted by Paul Breen
 

Spinal cord injury scientists convene to discuss MS

14 September 2011

Leaders in the field of spinal cord injury are to convene at the Paralyzed Veterans of America's Summit 2011.Scientists at the convention are to discuss areas such as how to tackle pain and progress...

Read More...

Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson emerges from coma after spinal injury

09 September 2011

Double gold medal winning Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson has emerged from a medically induced coma following a car accident that left him with a spinal injury.The Welsh rider suffered two spinal fractures,...

Read More...

Stem cells 'promote neck vertebrae growth'

07 September 2011

Individuals with spinal injury could in future be helped by stem cell technology that can grow neck vertebrae.Researchers at the University of California Davis Health System used adult stem cells to encourage...

Read More...