California readers may be interested to know that advances in stem cell research have been made for those suffering from damage to the spinal cord. An Australian-invented technique has been successfully completed for the first time in the United States. In the procedure, bone marrow stem cells are used to enhance bone growth and prevent back pain. Although further test results are still pending, the trial appears to be a success for treatment of spinal cord injuries.
The results of the trial were recently announced at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. The study involved 24 patients and was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the patients experienced serious adverse side effects.
Despite the encouraging results, the reality is that millions of Americans suffer from spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be devastating and may cause permanent disability. Paraplegia or quadriplegia may cause partial or total loss of function for certain body parts. Not only can this be physically debilitating, but it is also costly.
Spinal cord injuries often require significant medical treatment. Many victims may be required to undergo long-term medical care and rehabilitation. These medical expenses are an extra burden for those already dealing with a life-altering physical disability.
It is important for San Francisco residents to have a complete understanding of their legal rights if they suffer a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by another person’s negligence. This is true whether they have been injured in a car accident or an accident in the workplace. In some cases, people may want to consider filing a civil claim for relief and recovering damages.
Source: Top News, “New treatment for spine injury,” Satish Karat, Jan. 11, 2013