Unite 2 Fight Paralysis and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation brought together Neuro scientists, The National Institute of Health, physicians and people with a spinal cord injury, to look at the latest research for repair or improved function of the spinal cord at the Working 2 Walk Symposium in Chicago, IL a couple weeks ago. From what I gathered by attending the sessions and listening to the attendees and scientists, a cure for spinal cord injuries comes down to three approaches to the problem:
1) The latest work done on understanding ways to repair the spinal cord.
2) The ways to maximize what connections are available.
3) The combination of the two.
Everyone was talking about stem cell replacement and some people in other countries are starting human trials, although most of the experts say this is too early and they are skeptical of the health claims and ethical issues with these trials. There are many problems administering the cells which can result in neuropathic pain, cell migration to unwanted areas, and the biggest challenge is to get the cells to migrate through the Glial Scare that surrounds the damaged area of the spinal cord which prevents cells migrating to make connections. With all this said there has been great progress overcoming these obstacles.
One message I heard over and over was that people that have a spinal cord injury can gain more function and improve their lives if they can maximize the connections they have with aggressive activity programs. Standing combined with upper extremity activity can help with motor skills in the trunk and lower extremities. These rehab programs are being used throughout the country and when human trials of stem cells begin, it was mentioned; that passive and active standing will be used to maximize the out comes. The greatest importance for anyone with SCI is to maintain function and to prevent secondary problems, so when treatments become available they will be ready to maximize the improvements. A consistent home standing program can do just that.
