Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
About 11,000 Americans are hospitalized for a spinal cord injury (SCI) every year, and up to 250,000 people in the US alone live with an SCI. A paraplegic is someone whose legs and lower part of the body are paralyzed; a quadriplegic (or, more correctly, a tetraplegic) experiences muscle weakness or paralysis in all four limbs. Learn more about the most common causes of SCIs, treatment options, and recent research and advances (for example, stem cell regeneration research) in the following articles.
Wheelchair user and quadriplegic Native American Stanford Addison is not only a tribal shaman, but a renowned horse gentler who attracts devotees from around the globe.
Robert Prondzinski discusses his book Another Fine Mess You've Gotten Us Into: The Life and Adventures of a Quad, which highlights his life with a spinal cord injury, and what he's learned from others who are living with a disability.
U.S. biotechnology company Geron Corp. will begin stem cell research, specifically for the effects of stem-cell injections on people who have a thoracic spinal cord injury and are paraplegic, to determine the safety of Geron's GRNOPC1 drug.
Stem Cell Research Approved, Seen as Key for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Advances
Exercising after an SCI is more than just a great way to keep pounds off, it's about ensuring as much independence as possible. Take it from one former football player who has taken matters into his own hands through working out.
Articles
The Day the Parachute Didn't Open
While Nick Libassi was skydiving, he fell 15,000 feet to the ground, sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI). He discusses his injury, the painful depression that followed the accident, and what...
From Rehab Patient to Rehab Doctor
Jesse Lieberman became a doctor specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation after sustaining an SCI and now inspires others dealing with spinal cord injuries. Lieberman discusses his SCI,...
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Brooke Ellison, SCI Survivor, Enjoys a Life of Service to Others
Brooke Ellison, an SCI survivor, author, inspirational speaker, and former candidate for the New York State Senate, has turned her disability into a catalyst to help others. She also co-wrote the...
Using His Paraplegia to Advance Social Cause: Mark Mathew Braunstein
Mark Matthew Braunstein is a paraplegic using his disability to advance the legalization of marijuana and promotion of animal rights. Braunstein discusses his latest projects and books and why he's...
SCI Patients at Risk for Heart Attacks
Spinal cord injuries often result in an increased likelihood of heart disease. But research shows that a new element, not the long-suspected cholesterol, plays an important role.
Potential Treatment for Paralysis?
Neuroscientists at the University of Washington attempted to create an artificial connection between brain cells and muscles in monkeys. Their research may make it possible to restore muscle movement...
