From developments in non-invasive surgery to Neurotherapy and virtual reality, scientific research is committed to discovering new ways of bettering patient outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries, by innovating the recovery process.
This article explores these new advances in technology, how these might affect people with spinal cord injuries in the future and how Aspire Law can support you with your injury.
Non-invasive innovations
The innovation, entitled ‘ARC-EX therapy’, is a new non-invasive method of aiding in the recovery process for people with spinal cord injuries, which involves electrical stimulation.
According to the study carried out on patients at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, a fifth of the patients saw significant improvements, in particular to their upper limb function, temperature and bladder control, and blood pressure.
Due to the non-invasive nature of administering this care, it results in a great improvement in the quality of life of patients, as recovering from surgery isn’t part of the rehabilitation process.
It’s crucial to stress that this innovation isn’t a cure. However, it’s definitely an exciting new advancement, improving the lives of so many spinal cord injury patients.
Expanding possibilities
The digital innovation of virtual reality is expected to revolutionise the treatments for patients with spinal cord injuries.
Virtual reality hosts computer-generated environments that can be altered depending on the purpose for which it’s being used. The possibilities are endless! Traditionally, this technology has been used in video and online gaming, however, the potential of virtual reality is truly invigorating.
It already has its applications in healthcare, but this new integration for use during treatment for people with spinal cord injuries is pushing boundaries.
The nature of this technology has a direct impact on people’s multisensory capabilities, including movements and can therefore be used during rehabilitation. This is a result of stimulating the brain to connect neurological pathways that have been disconnected due to the injury.
Advancements in research
The new ‘wraparound’ device is set to change the future of spinal cord research.
At the University of Cambridge, a team of engineers, neuroscientists and surgeons have developed a medical device that can register the nerve signals between the brand and the spinal cord. So far, this implant has been tested on live animals and human cadavers, proving this device can stimulate limb movement, overriding the damaged communications from the brain.
This groundbreaking research is monumental for the future treatment of spinal cord injuries as it enables medical care to proceed without the need for brain surgery, meaning it’s a much safer option.
It’s important to clarify that the science and surgical capabilities of this therapy aren’t available yet. It could be several years before the technology can be used in this way. However, these kinds of advancements in research are invaluable to the medical community, as it establishes the foundations for future innovation.
This development is especially exciting, as it provides a more comprehensive view of the functions within the spinal cord, enabling the possibility of future advancements, as well as the monitoring of the spinal cord during surgery, making the procedure safer for patients.
Robots in the 21st century
We all know that robots are no longer the figments of imaginative minds or science fiction films.
Their application in medical care, although in existence since the 1980s, is still undergoing innovation and rigorous research to widen the scope of capability in rehabilitation and wider healthcare.
In relation to people with spinal cord injuries, robots are now being used to give patients the ability to walk again.
The use of robotic ‘exoskeletons’ is being developed to stimulate the brain signals that have been harmed as a result of the injury, the electrical signals simulating the brain’s messages to reconnect with the spinal cord and enable movement.
The future
The future of this technology is so powerful as a tool for rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, the exponential rate of growth and innovation providing hope for countless people.
Enter Aspire Law
There are so many ways we can help you on your journey to recovery. We work with medical professionals and spinal cord injury specialists to assist your access to rehabilitation and so much more.
Contact Aspire Law today to find out more about how we can help you.
