Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 07/02/2008 08:20:03
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from AOL http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/nerve-bypass-may-end-paralysis/article/20080206233609990003 (http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/nerve-bypass-may-end-paralysis/article/20080206233609990003)
Thousands of people could regain the use of paralysed limbs thanks to a pioneering technique, scientists claim.
The technique uses the body's nerves to bypass spinal injuries and US researchers believe the treatment could help thousands of people to regain feeling, and possibly even the use of paralysed limbs.
The researchers have shown that nerves can be used to circumvent spinal damage and reconnect the brain to the body, according to a report in New Scientist.
The procedure, successfully used in experiments with rats, worked on similar principles to heart bypass surgery, where veins from a patient's leg are used to get around an artery blockage.
It raised the prospect of the first human trials within five years, offering hope to the 40,000-plus people in the UK with spinal cord injuries.
John Martin, a neuroscientist at Columbia University in New York, cut away a nerve in rats, from just above the injury, that normally stretches into the body to control abdominal muscles and reattached it to the spine below the injury.
When the team examined the nerve under a microscope two weeks later, they found it had sprouted new extensions which had begun to form connections, or synapses, with the motor nerves in the isolated lower spine.
Zapping the spinal cord above the injury made the lower limbs of the rats twitch, showing that motor signals had begun once again to pass along the entire length of the spine.
Mr Martin said: "What we want to do is plug in new connections to bypass the damaged region.
"We know the nerves can make new connections to muscle, so we asked whether it's possible for them to also connect with spinal cord neurons isolated through injury.
I would suggest that this is an example of research grants NOT being wasted as it could, in the future, help many thousands of people regain some quality of life. I wish the researchers the best of luck with their efforts.
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WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!! That is Fabulous news and such a huge step forward! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!
This will be so beneficial... Man I hope they are able to continue and perfect this... I know it will take tons of work and trials but what an incredible huge step forward in this area!!!
Thanks Doc!!
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Really amazing and hopeful information. I wish they succeed in their experiment. It will be really great discovery in medical science. Paralysis is one of the most painful part of human life.
Thanks for sharing this.
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As someone who has to deal with quadriplegia on a daily basis I am very excited, but also cautious about this news.
Yes it's fabulous and sure a step (if you'll excuse the pun) forward, however there have been many, many similar experiments and reports over the years (12 years IME and counting) with no real outcome. It's a long road to human recovery, and barely a nudge, however a nudge is better than a nothing.
JnA (being optimistically cautious)
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JNA check out "Iinclined bed therapy" on google
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JNA check out "Iinclined bed therapy" on google
And so I have. Interesting. We have a 'tilt table' and have been using it, as have many other SCI's that I have dealt with, however the benefits are minimal and long term effects negligible. What are your thoughts on the amount of time one has to spend inclined to get any benefits?
Also, I note, with sadness, that the medical profession has not really picked up on this idea and have to wonder why. What is it that could possibly be stopping every spinal unit in the world from taking up this simple idea? (You have to forgive my slight cynicism, but I think you can understand why I have to be) I am going to fire off an email and link to my states top ranking spinal doctor and ask his opinion.
I agree that anything that is not detrimental is ok (even if it has no clinical benefits) however I wonder about pooling in the feet, as we see with so many SCI patients, where legs up seem to be beneficial... would IBT help of hinder oedema?
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Andrew K Fletcher my questions above are genuine. Yes, I am cynical, but am open to be swayed with the right evidence.
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I can't help wondering why nobody did this "nerve bypass" before.
(and I wonder just how on-topic Andrew's comments are.)
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I can't help wondering why nobody did this "nerve bypass" before.
it has been done before.. it just seems that nothing is widely publicised until it's done by an American researcher.
That's nothing against American researchers nor is it a dig at publication.. it's just the way of things.
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Andrew K Fletcher my questions above are genuine. Yes, I am cynical, but am open to be swayed with the right evidence.
Did you get a reply about inclined therapy?