Spinal cord injury is a serious and debilitating condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Long seen as a permanent injury, recent advances in stem cell research have brought closer the possibility of repairing the spinal cord.

One such approach involves injecting oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, derived from human embryonic stem cells, into the injured spinal cord in the hope that they will initiate repair. Continue Reading »

For individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries, pressure ulcers caused from wheelchair use are a serious concern during rehabilitation and are the most common long-term secondary medical complication for spinal cord injury patients. Continue Reading »

Urinary incontinence in spinal cord injury patients could be treated using Botox, new evidence suggests.

Allergen Inc has announced that the Irish Medicines Board supports the use of this treatment to treat urinary incontinence in spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis patients.

Many patients with these conditions have neurogenic detrusor overactivity, meaning their bladders contract during the filling stage, when they should be relaxed. Continue Reading »

As dental physicians, it is our duty to keep up with the most current technology available in order to afford our patients the best care possible. Recently, dental retrieval and storage of stem cells has become a topic of interest in the dental community. To help you understand this exciting advancement in the dental field, this article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about stem cells. Continue Reading »

The art of spinal manipulation has been around for thousands of years, dating back to medicine men called “bone setters” at the time Socrates lived. Spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjusting, is one of the most popular forms of treatment for many forms of back and neck pain.

Many clinicians such as physical therapists, chiropractors and physicians use spinal manipulation as a first line treatment option for spine pain. But despite its commonplace in modern medicine, there is still a shroud of mystery surrounding the logic and physical effects of a spinal adjustment. Continue Reading »

Doctor Bastuba explains if men with spinal cord injuries can still have children.

A male spinal cord injured patient, a wonderful human being, in his early 30s with a wife who is 27, this male suffered an injury, like many young males do, a traumatic injury that left him paralyzed from the sort of the mid-waist down. Continue Reading »

Autonomic Dysreflexia (or hyperreflexia) is a dangerous condition that can occur with bed sore patients or patients with spinal cord injuries above the middle of the chest (usually above T-5). Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when an irritation or pain (frequently caused by bed sores) below the level of the spinal cord injury sends a signal that fails to reach the brain. Continue Reading »

Experts all agree that it is far easier to prevent bed sore than to treat them. However, easier does not necessarily mean easy. With the appropriate measures, patients and medical staff can significantly reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.

The Mayo Clinic, USA, recommends that patients and medical staff develop a plan that all can follow; this must include position changes, supportive devices, routine skin inspections and good diet. Continue Reading »

Treating pressure ulcers is not easy. If it is an open wound it most likely will not heal rapidly; even when healing does take place it may be patchy because the skin and other tissues have already been damaged. A multidisciplinary approach is required to deal with the many aspects of wound care. According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, the MDT (multidisciplinary team) may consist of: Continue Reading »

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Parts of the body that are not covered by a high level of body fat and flesh (muscle) and are in direct contact with a supporting surface, such as a bed or wheelchair have the highest risk of developing pressure ulcers. Bedbound patients are most at risk of developing bed sores on their: Continue Reading »