Of all the injuries that one can sustain in an auto accident, those relating to the brain and spine are usually the most devastating. In fact, many victims find themselves disabled or severely limited in their ability to work and earn money for their families after such an injury. Compensation, which may be owed to them, cannot give them back their lives, but a new research project hopes to return at least some functionality back to injured parties. Learn more about this study, and discover how the assistance of a seasoned, competent auto accident lawyer can increase the chances of full and fair compensation after a debilitating accident-related injury.

Researchers Learn How to “Switch On” Potentially Healing Gene

Scientists have long known that certain genes found within the body’s cells can aid in healing the body. What they did not know was how to turn the genes on when an injury occurred. However, a study on mice has allowed them to not only identify which gene to turn on but to also turn over-express it so that it works more effectively. At the current moment, they only know that doing so can reduce the size of a scar. Hypothetically, this could minimize the damage of a spinal or brain injury, but more studies will need to be done in order to determine if their hypothesis is correct. They hope to work with more mice, both shutting off and over-expressing the gene to determine what (if any) added healing benefits the gene offers to spine and brain injury victims.

Waiting for Science While Coping with a Brain or Spine Injury 

The recent study is not the first to examine possible options for brain and spine injury victims. In fact, there are dozens of various surgeries and methods being tested to improve the level of healing that injured parties experience after an accident. Unfortunately, they are all still in preliminary, testing stages, and it could be years before even a single option becomes available to the general population. What this means for today’s victims is that they may live with limitations for the rest of their lives. As such, it is critical that injured parties receive full and fair compensation for their losses. The chances of this happening are much higher when accident victims seek the assistance of a seasoned personal injury attorney. 

Data indicates that there are approximately 17,000 new spinal injury cases per year. Though experienced in varying degrees, these injuries typically result in at least some form of paralysis, which is often permanent. Scientists have been working hard to come up with a solution - some using drugs, others specific therapies, and still others who are using surgical interventions. One recent scientific study, which included the grafting of human stem cells into rhesus monkeys, is showing promise - so much so that the entire scientific community is abuzz. 

Stem Cell Graft Improves Grasping in Monkeys

A team of neuroscientists and surgeons, which were led by University of California San Diego School of Medicine, grafted neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into the spines of rhesus monkeys as a follow-up to former studies with rodents. Though complications did arise - specifically in regard to technique - the scientists and surgeons found workarounds and managed to successfully grow hundreds of thousands of human axons and synapses in the monkeys. As a result, the monkeys experienced an increase in forelimb function, specifically the ability to grasp. Published in an online issue of Nature Medicine, the study findings indicate a significant step in translating positive results in humans with spinal cord injuries. 

Of all the injuries that one can sustain in an accident, spinal injuries are some of the worst – and not just because of the risk of partial, total, temporary, or permanent disability. While there are some forms of treatment that may slightly improve a victim’s circumstance, there are no known ways to reverse the damage. Science has been working tirelessly on finding answers, however, and one group is now a full year into an experimental treatment with promising results.

Four Out of Six Patients Show Shocking Improvement

One year ago, Asterias Biotherapeutics injected 10 million stem cells into the paralyzed patients. Four of them have seen dramatic results in the early-stage clinical trial – and though they are by no means healed from their injuries, their overall quality of life has improved. One example is the man who had experienced a spinal cord injury during a bicycle accident near his home in Illinois.

Spinal injury victims often have a long road of rehabilitation, and outcomes are never guaranteed. Thankfully, science has been working hard to improve the quality of life for these individuals. One prime example is the current project at Kennedy Krieger. Researchers there are studying the potential effect of aquatic therapy, hoping it will improve long-term outcomes for spinal injury victims. Learn more about spinal injuries, the possibilities of aquatic therapy, and what you can do as a victim to seek compensation for the losses you have experienced.

Aquatic Therapy and Spinal Injuries

Most forms of rehabilitation are currently centered around slings, harnesses, and other suspension devices. While often helpful, these devices do not give victims much freedom of movement, and that can make them feel even more hopeless. Aquatic therapy can empower victims and give them a sense of independence. The water makes them weightless, giving them more control over their bodies. Many are even able to complete their physical therapy with little to no physical support from their physical therapist or movement devices.

Spinal cord injuries can be scary and devastating to the victim and their family. However, not all mean the person will be paralyzed for life. In fact, spinal injuries are experienced at varying degrees, and some have a better prognosis than others. Learn the basic differences between the two main types of spinal cord injuries, and more about how those variations could impact your personal injury case.

Spinal Cord Injuries (General)

Protected and encompassed within the vertebrae, your spinal cord transfers messages from your brain to the rest of your body. When the protective but bony vertebrae are damaged - crushed, broken, or otherwise compromised - they can cut into or compress the spinal cord and damage it. As a result, messages are no longer able to reach the affected parts of your body. The lower the damage, the further down your body the damage will likely be. Alternatively, injuries higher up on the spinal cord (closer to your head) can cause more widespread loss of sensation, movement, or control.