Tag: spinal cord injuries

Just a decade ago, a firefighter would not have survived suffering burns over 95 percent of his body. Nor would a forklift operator who had sustained a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma and a fractured pelvis. Today, dramatically improved outcomes can be achieved for people suffering these devastating injuries. Experts say these improvements came about from a combination of factors. First, lessons have been learned from treating a large number of military service people for serious burns, amputations, brain trauma or spinal cord injuries. Researchers and practicing doctors have made

Continue reading Catastrophic injuries becoming more survivable with tech advances…

New research and medical advancements are coming out that show promise regarding treatment for spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Nathan Copeland experienced the difficulties associated with paralysis firsthand. More than a decade ago, Mr. Copeland lost his ability to move his hands as well as his ability to feel what his fingers touch due to a spinal cord injury sustained in a car crash. Now, thanks to research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Mr. Copeland has gained a new way to connect to the world around him.

Continue reading Brain implant allows paralyzed man to regain sense of touch…

A debilitating injury can be difficult for anyone, and if it is caused by a negligent party or even an accident, there may be legal options available that will help pay for medical costs or pain and suffering. A spinal cord injury is particularly serious, so there may be costs accrued due to permanent disability, paralysis and long-term medical care. Despite the seriousness of the injury, there is hope for victims. Readers in Maryland or Virginia might be interested in knowing about a man, 37, who has focused on walking again after

Continue reading Man’s injury becomes his life’s work…

Maryland residents may be interested to learn that 12 percent of all spinal cord injuries are sports-related, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The average costs for treating spinal cord injuries ranges between $15,000 and $30,000 each year and can reach anywhere from $500,000 to well over $3 million over a lifetime for care and treatment of a spinal cord injury. The National Collegiate Athletic Association pays 100 percent of the premium for its Catastrophic Injury Insurance plan, which is good news for one college football player who was

Continue reading NCAA insurance to pay expenses for player’s spinal cord injuries…

Maryland and Washington D.C. area residents may be interested to learn of a new $20 million grant to a state university and private company to research stem cell treatments for spinal cord injuries in the neck area. The grant will allow the university and private company to begin preparing for human testing of experimental treatments to improve or restore movement for those paralyzed through a spinal cord injury. The goal is to allow paralyzed patients to walk again however researchers anticipate more modest gains will result, at least initially. The

Continue reading Stem cell research for spinal cord injuries receives $20 million…

In a promising new study, researchers have created a new therapy regimen utilizing a variety of treatments in combinations that have proven to make paralyzed rats able to walk again. Spinal cord injuries have a debilitating effect on a large number of peoples’ lives and are often thought to be permanent. This new research could hold promise for disabled persons in Maryland and around the world who have been injured in car accidents and the like to someday recover some of their motor functions. Researchers are saying this new combination

Continue reading What do paralyzed rats, electricity and chocolate have in common?…

This week’s post will continue the story about a Clarksburg teen who is excited about finally receiving a service dog to help him get some independence back in his life after being severely injured and paralyzed four years ago. The teen was struck by a police patrol car while crossing the street in front of his home. The now 16-year-old will continue his occupational therapy at an international spinal cord injury center in Baltimore, Maryland, where he has been working with a therapist since the accident that left him paralyzed.

Continue reading Clarksburg teen paralyzed in accident to get service dog – Part 2…

Four years ago a Clarksburg teen was injured by a Montgomery County police cruiser driven by an off-duty officer while he was crossing the street in front of his home. The now 16-year-old suffered permanent brain damage and spinal cord injuries and is now a quadriplegic. With little use of his arms he has been undergoing physical therapy to strengthen his muscles and hopes to one day walk again. The Clarksburg High School sophomore was excited to learn last month the he was finally going to receive a service dog

Continue reading Clarksburg teen paralyzed in accident to get service dog – Part 1…

Maryland residents might be interested to learn about a new Japanese research study involving an oral drug that has been shown to lessen the outbreak of human multiple sclerosis and slow some of its physical problems now looks promising for treating injuries to the spinal cord as well. The drug studied was FTY720, also known as Gilenya, was shown to improve some of the motor functions in mice with spinal cord injuries. The study’s authors report that FTY720, manufactured by Novartis has several treatment powers and had recovered some of

Continue reading Research suggest new therapy for spinal cord injury victims…