Repair of severe spinal cord injuries may soon be possible

Truck and car accidents often result in severe or catastrophic spinal cord damage. While there are treatments available to spinal cord patients, there is no cure or means to reverse the damage. However, that could change sooner than you might expect.

A group of researchers led by a professor with Chicago’s Northwest University has discovered a way of repairing spinal cord damage in paralyzed mice. The researchers hope to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans.

How does it work?

The team injected paralyzed mice with a congealing fluid that created a network of nanofibers. The nanofibers mimic the natural structures in healthy spinal cords, essentially forming a scaffold-like supportive structure on which spine nerve fibers can regrow.

The scientists impregnated the nanofiber structure with signaling molecules to trigger the regrowth process. Within four weeks of receiving the therapy, acutely paralyzed mice regained “some” ability to walk again.