Improving outcome of sensorimotor functions after traumatic spinal cord injury

Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI) uses the brain's ability to adapt, called neuroplasticity. Training functional movements, sometimes with technical help, can improve recovery. The success depends on good sensory input to the spinal cord, which leads to proper muscle use during movements. Current experimental treatments for SCI involve stimulating spinal networks electrically or with drugs. While animal studies show promise, these treatments haven't effectively translated to humans. Combining techniques to promote nerve regeneration might be necessary for better results. Better animal models that closely mimic human clinical conditions could improve the success of translating research findings into effective treatments for spinal cord injury.

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  Early decompression of the injured spinal cord improves outcomes after traumatic SCI.
• 2
  Functional training programs and neurorehabilitation technology are being used to exploit neuroplasticity and improve sensorimotor function.
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  Despite promising results in animal models, neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents have shown limited clinical significance in human SCI patients.