Victims of spinal cord injuries in Connecticut, like any other locale, face the likelihood of permanent paralysis, which has significant quality impacts on virtually every area of their life. However, a recent clinical trial at UC Davis Health in California may offer some hope for these victims.
The trial involves using a neuro-spinal scaffold to help regenerate the spinal cord and improve its function. Some key points regarding the clinical trial can highlight the potential of this treatment.
An innovative approach
The clinical trial uses an absorbable scaffold made of a biopolymer, which a neurosurgeon places at the site of the patient’s spinal injury. The neuro-spinal scaffold was designed to promote repair and regeneration within the victim’s damaged spinal cord.
The researchers at UC Davis Health have a very active spinal cord injury clinical program that works collaboratively with neurosurgeons, researchers and clinicians to develop new spinal cord injury research and potentially life-altering treatments.
Some positive preliminary findings
The trial’s preliminary results showed that patients in the randomized study who received the treatment regained slightly more sensation in the paralyzed areas of their bodies than individuals who did not receive the neural-spinal scaffold.
This outcome suggests the potential for functional recovery and improved quality of life for victims of motor vehicle accidents and others who suffer from paralysis due to a spinal cord injury.
Long-term benefits
A follow-up study performed 24 months after patients received the neural-spinal scaffold showed that some patients experienced further improvement. Additionally, the procedure did not result in any severe complications or cause unexpected outcomes for any of the patients, highlighting the safety of this potential treatment for spinal cord injuries.
The clinical trial to investigate the potential of the neuro-spinal scaffold offers hope for individuals who have suffered severe spinal cord injuries.
