Spinal Cord Challenges
You play the hand you're dealt. I think the game's worthwhile - Christopher Reeve
image by: Ryley Hopper's Spinal Cord Injury Recovery #TheFight4Ry
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Breakthrough in spinal cord research could lead to eventual motor neurone disease cure
Scientists have for the first time produced the "seed" cells of the human spinal cord in the lab – raising hopes that conditions such as muscular dystrophy could one day be treated by transplanting complex, lab-grown human tissue.
The spinal cord, a cylinder about the width of a little finger which runs down the backbone and is the core component of the central nervous system, is a hugely complex structure. Creating spinal cord tissue from stem cells has eluded researchers for years.
However, a major step has now been taken by Medical Research Council researchers at the University of Edinburgh, who set out to mimic the natural development of the spinal cord in the human…
Resources
A dogged quest to fix broken spinal cords pays off with new hope for the paralyzed
The history of paralysis research is littered with overhyped promises and false hopes. But many physicians and patient advocates say Edgerton’s work is one of the first approaches that may actually help large numbers of patients in the near future, particularly those with fairly recent injuries.
No Dullard, Spinal Cord Proves It Can Learn
Scientists had long known that the spinal cord contains groups of neurons that, when chemically activated, generate rhythmic flexing and extension of the legs in an alternating pattern. But no one thought that adult animals with longstanding spinal cord injuries could be taught to activate these pattern generators.
Scientists Find a Way to Make the Spinal Cord Transparent for Study
An international team of researchers headed by neurobiologists at Max-Planck-Institut für Neurobiologie have developed a method of making the spinal cord transparent so that slicing and their 3-D reconstruction is not necessary.
Spinal Cord Conditions and Issues
Spinal Cord Injury and Disease presents many different conditions and issues – and it is important to know and understand what specifically affects you. Some of the causes of spinal cord disorders include injuries, infections and compression by a fractured bone or tumor.
The Audacious Plan to Save This Man’s Life by Transplanting His Head
Repairing spinal cords is just one part of a larger, much more audacious project that Ren and a surgeon in Italy are leading... Transplanting a head does, of course, present tremendous new challenges for surgeons. Unlike, say, fingers, which can survive for days detached from a body, brains suffer irreversible damage within minutes of losing blood flow.
The Spinal Cord
The length of the spinal cord is about 45 cm in men and 43 cm in women. The spinal cord is shorter than the length of the bony spinal column; the spinal cord extends down only to the last of the thoracic vertebrae.
When Spine Implants Cause Paralysis, Who Is to Blame?
Doctors say the frequency of paralysis, while thought to be relatively uncommon, varies according to implanters' experience and skill levels, and isn't well understood because of a lack of independent data.
Why Luck Is Just One Part of the Story Regarding My Spinal Cord Issues
I’m going to start off by saying it — I’m lucky. I’m acutely aware of how close this came to being a different story. Six years ago, I had surgery to stabilize my spinal cord. Spinal cords can be fickle creatures that don’t like to be messed with.
Breakthrough in spinal cord research could lead to eventual motor neurone disease cure
Scientists have for the first time produced the "seed" cells of the human spinal cord in the lab – raising hopes that conditions such as muscular dystrophy could one day be treated by transplanting complex, lab-grown human tissue.
International Spinal Cord Society
The ISCoS shall: -Serve as an international impartial, non-political and non-profit making association whose purpose is to study all problems relating to traumatic and non-traumatic lesions of the spinal cord. This includes causes, prevention, basic and clinical research, medical and surgical management, clinical practice, education, rehabilitation and social reintegration. This society will function in close collaboration with other national and international bodies, thereby encouraging the most efficient use of available resources...
North American Spine Society
NASS is a global multidisciplinary medical society that utilizes education, research and advocacy to foster the highest quality, ethical, value- and evidence-based spine care for patients.
Spinal Cords Gone Wild
My experiences with mysterious, painful, Syringomyelia (SM), as well as resources for others with SM, Chiari, (Occult) Tethered Cord Syndrome, and related disorders.
Spinal Injuries Association
We are the national organisation of spinal cord injured people. We represent all of their interests, regardless of how the impairment occurred, or whether paralysis is full or partial. We support all those who are affected by spinal cord injury, including the family and friends of the individual.
Spinal Research
Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research around the world to develop effective treatments for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.
SpinalCord.com
SpinalCord.com has been created by Swope, Rodante, P.A. as a resource for patients of brain and spinal cord injuries and their families. Learn more about a new injury, locate a doctor or treatment center, or discover legal and financial relief to support you through this difficult time.
SpinalCure Australia
SpinalCure Australia was founded in 1994 with the sole aim of finding a cure for spinal cord injury through the promotion and funding of medical research.
United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals.
BrainandSpinalCord.org
We've helped brain and spinal cord injury survivors and their families recover millions for care and treatment.
EndParalysis.org
The endParalysis foundation aims to accelerate research towards curing chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), by: 1. Fundraising to co-finance high-impact research projects. 2. Promoting a global collaborative and goal-driven effort to identify and bridge the gaps to cure.
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute is an internationally recognized institution dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system.
Wings for Life
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation with the mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
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