Hope for Spinal Injury: New Treatment Shows Promise

A groundbreaking trial at the University of Auckland offers hope for individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. This innovative approach uses an implantable device to stimulate nerve repair, potentially reversing the devastating effects of these currently incurable conditions.

Electric Fields Show Healing Potential

Spinal cord injuries typically disrupt signals between the brain and body, often causing function loss. Researchers are now applying electric fields to support spinal cord regeneration. An implantable electronic device has shown the capacity to restore movement in animal studies, sparking hopes for a human treatment.

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“The aim is to stimulate healing so people can recover functions lost through spinal-cord injury,”

—Professor Darren Svirskis, Director of the CatWalk Cure Programme at the University’s School of Pharmacy

In the United States, nearly 300,000 people currently live with spinal cord injuries (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2024).

How the Device Works

Scientists developed an ultra-thin implant, placed directly on the spinal cord over the injury site in rats. The device delivers a carefully controlled electric current across the injury. After four weeks, animals treated with the electric field showed improved mobility compared to those without treatment.

The study, a collaboration between the University of Auckland and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, confirms the safety of this treatment. Analysis showed no inflammation or additional damage to the spinal cord.

Next Steps in the Research

The next phase involves exploring various treatment doses, including strength, frequency, and duration. Researchers aim to determine the most effective method to repair spinal cords, which could lead to a medical device for those with life-altering injuries.