Spinal cord injuries can be life-changing for accident victims in California. These kinds of injuries could lead to a loss of sensory function, loss of motor abilities and even paralysis. Many doctors and scientists are researching the causes and effects of these injuries and looking for new treatment mechanisms that could help to restore lost functionality. In one study, researchers at the University of British Columbia found a gene signature that switches on and off in response to spinal cord injuries; it appears to be tied to the severity of the damage sustained.
There are still no widely available ways to treat spinal cord injuries or repair lost motor function. However, these researchers think that further analysis of the genes involved could pinpoint biomarkers that help to predict the likelihood of recovery and indicate fruitful areas for treatment.
The gene signatures found could predict the likelihood of a severe injury. If it were possible to reverse those signatures, it could enable enhanced potential for treatment and recovery. The scientists identified 151 genes that appeared in multiple studies of the biology of human spinal cord injuries. They compared their results to a gene network of a healthy human spinal cord, finding some groups of genes that were highly linked to how the body responds to this type of injury.
As high-level research continues, people with spinal cord injuries are still seeking relief, assistance and currently available treatment. People who have been injured due to a car accident or other incident caused by someone else’s negligence might work with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney may be able to help injured people seek compensation for their damages, including lost wages and current and future medical bills.