New drug could help victims of spinal cord injuries

There is new hope on the horizon for the millions of people around the world who suffer from spinal cord injuries. Researchers in the United States have developed an experimental oral medication that could help the patient regain some lost functions caused by spinal injuries.

The experimental drug, known as LM11A-31, works by blocking the release of a certain protein that is released after a spinal cord injury which destroys oligodendrocytes-nerve cells that surround and protect axions. Axion are nerve-cell projections that carry transmissions and communications between the brain and the rest of the body.

Experiments with mice that had similar spinal cord injuries as those seen in humans showed that the drug prevented the oligodendrocytes from dying off after an injury. Researchers gave the mice the drug for 42 days. The mice that were receiving the highest dose eventually were able to walk and regain their coordination in their limbs.

Currently, physicians give victims of spinal cord injuries an anti-inflammatory drug. Researchers say that the experimental drug can be used in conjunction with current therapies and can enhance their effectiveness.

About spinal cord injuries

Researchers hope that the new treatment will bring relief to the 450,000 people in the United States who live with spinal cord injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, 8,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year, most of them are males between the ages of 16 and 30 who are injured in
car accidents, falls, violence or sports injuries.

The effect that a spinal cord injury will have depends heavily on the severity and location of the injury on the spinal column. In general, spinal cord injuries can cause weakness, paralysis and loss of sensation under the site of the injury. For example, an injury to the lower spine may only result in loss of leg movement and sensation. However, an injury to the upper spine in the neck region may cause paralysis of the arms, legs and chest.

In addition to a loss of mobility, victims of spinal cord injuries often can lose control of their bladder or bowels, experience changes in sexual function, or feel a tingling sensation in the hands, feet, fingers or toes. Those who are severely injured may be unable to breathe and require a ventilator.

Although certain functions can be regained following a spinal cord injury, in general, the injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, many innocent people are put in this situation as a result of someone’s negligence. If you or a loved one has developed a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn about your right to compensation.