Hawaii Injury Lawyer Blog

Studies have shown that a recently developed robotic exoskeleton has significantly assisted those with spinal cord injuries rebuild muscle function and mobility.

The “RiceWrist” is a motorized device – a robotic exoskeleton - that helps speed recovery by retraining motor neuron pathways. The RiceWrist was developed by a team of mechanical engineers at Rice University and was designed to help those with spinal cord injuries to help reconnect motor pathways in the brain.

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and may require life-long care. Spinal cord injuries are generally the result of a traumatic event such as a sporting accident, auto accident, medical malpractice or construction accident. They are characterized by a loss of function in your limbs. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of another’s negligence, you may have a right to be compensated for your pain and suffering and future medical costs.

Continue reading "RiceWrist Provides Hope To Spinal Cord Injury Victims" »

New spinal cord injury research out of Ohio State University is providing hope to victims of these devastating injuries. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) can result from auto accidents, sports accidents, medical malpractice and other traumatic injuries.

Those suffering from spinal cord injuries may require life-long medical care. Complications of SCIs include paralysis, chronic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction.

The new research has determined that certain types of white blood cells - “ macrophages” - thought to be harmful have now been shown to have beneficial properties. Instead of just creating additional tissue damage, the OSU study linked the cells to improved nerve cell communication and rehabilitation. With increased understanding of the cells properties, researchers hope to create new therapies to assist those suffering SCIs.

Similarly, StemCells, Inc. has started a stem cell trial considered “landmark event for the field of spinal cord injury research.” The trial will use human neural stem cells to treat chronic spinal cord injuries.

Continue reading "Spinal Cord Injury Research Provides Hope To Those Injured" »

Recently, a number of studies have looked into ways to help victims of catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries.

This past week, the Wall Street Journal reported on scientists’ progress in re-wring brain waves to assist those paralyzed because of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs), stroke or disease. SCIs refer to any type of injury to the spinal cord that causes a loss of function – this may be a car accident, sport accident, medical malpractice, or other trauma. In many SCI cases, paralysis occurs at the area below the level of injury.

In both SCIs and brain injuries, accident victims are unable to transmit the brain’s messages to the rest of the body.

By finding ways to “re-route” these brain signals, scientists hope to enable those paralyzed to perform some everyday functions. A leading neurobiologist at Duke University’s school of medicine explains with paralysis “the body you live in has changed. You need to remap … how commands from the brain get to the rest of the body.” Duke has recently received a grant to begin testing on a full-body prosthetic controlled solely by the patient’s brain waves.

Scientists have also reported similar studies aimed at helping those with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Continue reading "Help For Victims Of Spinal Cord Injuries" »