Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is neurological damage caused by trauma or disease, usually resulting in the loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. The goal of treating spinal cord injury is to slow disease progression, restore function, and improve patients’ quality of life. Treatment methods include stem cell therapy, surgical treatment, drug therapy, and rehabilitation therapy.

Emerging Treatments

Stem cell therapy as the core method of neural reconstruction

Neural reconstruction based on stem cell therapy is the most promising approach for spinal cord injury after conventional treatments. After SCI, neuronal death and axonal rupture lead to interruption of signal transmission. Stem cells can promote neural regeneration and play a role in functional reconstruction of the spinal cord.

Advantages of stem cell therapy-centered neural reconstruction:

① Promotes neural regeneration and axonal repair: Stem cells can differentiate into neurons and glial cells. Oligodendrocytes can reform myelin sheaths and accelerate nerve impulse conduction.

② Secretes neurotrophic factors: Stem cells release BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and other factors that support neuronal survival and guide axonal directional growth.

③ Bridges the injury site: Stem cell transplantation can form a "biological scaffold," connecting damaged spinal cord segments and providing physical support for axonal regeneration.

④ Suppresses inflammation and scar formation: Acute-phase inflammation and glial scars are major obstacles to regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells can suppress excessive microglial activation, reduce pro-inflammatory factors, and secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to degrade inhibitory molecules in scar tissue.

Conventional Treatments

1. Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment aims to relieve spinal cord compression, stabilize the spine, and repair damage. Common procedures include:

① Spinal fixation surgery: For patients with spinal instability, metal implants (such as plates and screws) are used to stabilize the spine and prevent further spinal cord injury.

② Spinal decompression surgery: Removal of bone fragments or tumors compressing the spinal cord restores blood supply and neurological function.

③ Intervertebral disc surgery: Removal of herniated discs relieves spinal cord compression.

The effectiveness of these surgeries varies due to individual differences, and not all patients are suitable for surgical treatment.

2. Drug therapy

In addition to acute-phase drug therapy, long-term management of spinal cord injury also includes:

① Antispasmodic drugs: Such as baclofen, used to relieve muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injury.

② Bladder management drugs: Spinal cord injury often leads to bladder dysfunction. Anticholinergic drugs and β3-agonists help control urinary frequency and incontinence.

③ Neurotrophic drugs: Although still under research, neurotrophic factors and similar drugs may promote nerve repair and regeneration.

3. Rehabilitation therapy

Rehabilitation therapy is essential for patients with SCI, helping to restore function and improve quality of life. Major components of rehabilitation include:

① Physical therapy: Aims to restore motor function, enhance muscle strength, improve gait, and maintain joint mobility.

② Occupational therapy: Helps patients regain daily living skills such as dressing and eating. Occupational therapists also teach patients how to use assistive devices to increase independence.

③ Psychological support: SCI is often accompanied by psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Psychological counseling and support groups can help patients adapt to a new lifestyle.

④ Neurorehabilitation technologies: New technologies such as electrical stimulation, robot-assisted training, and virtual reality training facilitate neural function recovery and provide more personalized rehabilitation programs.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that treatment of spinal cord injury involves multiple aspects, including stem cell therapy, surgery, drug therapy, and rehabilitation. Through timely treatment and rehabilitation, many patients can achieve functional recovery and improve their quality of life.