More New Scientific Research on Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

Our deep dive into the latest spinal cord injury research continues with two more exciting developments in the field of spinal cord research.

The first study reveals a potential treatment option designed to improve the lives of patients, and the second study showcases a technique that could help restore lost intrinsic hand functions.

In their paper, Sulfonylureas—A novel Treatment to Reduce Tissue Damage after Acute Spinal Cord Injury?, published in Vol. 14 of the Lancet Neurology Journal, authors Elizabeth J. Bradbury, Matt S. Ramer and Leanne M. Ramer, suggested there may be a novel treatment option for spinal cord injury that makes use of sulfonylureas, a class of diabetic drugs. It’s critical to note that this research is currently based only on animal testing. Previously, sulfonylureas have been used to treat stroke patients, but the authors wondered whether these drugs could reduce spinal cord tissue damage as well. Here’s why. Sulfonylureas are designed to reduce glucose levels; this is an important function, because hyperglycemic animals show greater tissue damage over time. Deploying sulfonylureas, therefore, could theoretically reduce glucose levels in accident victims in a way that would prevent further tissue damage in acute spinal cord injury.

In a different paper, Transfer of the Brachialis to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve as a Treatment Strategy for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, authors Ammar H. Hawasli, Jodie Chang, Matthew R. Reynolds and Wilson Z. Ray looked at an innovative treatment strategy for cervical spinal cord injury designed to restore hand functionality. Traditional nerve transfer techniques have focused on the upper brachial plexus, but nerve transfer techniques might be viable for select patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.

Current research suggests that the ideal candidate for such a procedure is a 21-year-old with a “complete C7 spinal cord injury and failure of any hand motor recovery.” C7 spinal cord injuries generally mean that the patient has full head and neck movement, but limited movement in the thumb and only partial use of the fingers. While the current research suggests that this procedure might be useful only for a very specific type of patient, further related breakthroughs might not be too far away.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash or any other accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, our legal team can help you obtain fair compensation for your medical costs and other damages. Contact our experienced Denver spinal cord injury law firm for a free consultation.