Question 1

how could fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?

Accepted Answer

Stem cells - Future: Fat cells have shown promise as a source of stem cells that may eventually be able to be used to treat many conditions, one of which is spinal cord injury.
Stem cells have the potential to transform into specialized cells and tissues of many different organs.
There has been much excitement recently in the research world for the future potential but everyday use in medicine is still years away.

Question 2

how might fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?

Accepted Answer

Still researching: There is a possibility that fat cells may be able to stimulate regeneration of damaged nerve cells.  This research, however, is still in its infancy, and is not ready for clinical use.  Several academic centers are doing basic laboratory research to see if this may be a potential treatment option.

Question 3

what are the possible treatments for spinal cord injury using stem cells?

Accepted Answer

Stem cells - Future: Fat cells have shown promise as a source of stem cells that may eventually be able to be used to treat many conditions, one of which is spinal cord injury.
Stem cells have the potential to transform into specialized cells and tissues of many different organs.
There has been much excitement recently in the research world for the future potential but everyday use in medicine is still years away.

Question 4

can you tell me more about stem cells and their relationship to spinal cord injuries?

Accepted Answer

To early to tell: Stem cells are cells that can differentiate  into specific cells. (become the cells we want). There is obvious interest in this because in sci neurons (cells) within the spinal cord are destroyed. If stem cells can be harnessed to grow into new nerve cells specific to the spinal cord it would be a major breakthrough.

Question 5

do you think stem cells have the potential to cure paralysis (due to spinal cord injury) in the future?

Accepted Answer

My opinion - no: Connections within the spinal cord are very complex.  Injury is often very severe with destruction of structures, infarction, necrosis, etc.  Cells send fibers from the brain to the muscles through very complex pathways.  A simple stem cell can not replace these connections.  Atrophy of muscles will not be helped.  Bowel and bladder function may not be helped.

Question 6

is it possible to have spinal cord injury without pain, or difficulty doing any other work?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: So you are saying you have no symptoms and are worried about a spinal cord injury? I do not follow this. The answer is unlikely. If there is an old injury nothing would be done unless it causes problems.

Question 7

could you have spinal cord injury if you do not feel any pain, or do not feel any difficult doing any other work?

Accepted Answer

Sounds unlikely: If no weakness, no history of trauma, no infection, no tumor, no numbness or loss of sensation. No pain.No bowel or bladder dysfunction. Seems unlikely.Someone may have a congenital anomaly that has no functional impact. However if any of the above symptoms are positive that screams see a doctor. No signs or symptoms speaks to using your judgement and asking why this question is considered.

Question 8

can you repair t5 spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Repair?: The body may be able to heal the nerves involved in a spinal cord contusion, or bruise, but if the nerve is severed or more severely damaged it will not be able to heal.  Neurosurgeons use methyprednisolone, a steroid medication to relieve swelling and inflammation.  Immobilization, and surgery to remove the pressure on the spinal cord are often needed as well.

Question 9

is sciatica a form spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

No: It is not an injury to the spinal cord
it is injury to a nerve root usually from a disc herniation. Very different from spinal cord injury.

Question 10

what are the tests for spinal cord injuries?

Accepted Answer

See below: Mri, maybe ct, spinal fluid analysis, neurologic exam, spinal myelography.

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How can fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries

A member asked:

How could fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?

A member asked:

How might fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?

A member asked:

What are the possible treatments for spinal cord injury using stem cells?

A member asked:

Can you tell me more about stem cells and their relationship to spinal cord injuries?

A member asked:

Do you think stem cells have the potential to cure paralysis (due to spinal cord injury) in the future?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have spinal cord injury without pain, or difficulty doing any other work?

A member asked:

Could you have spinal cord injury if you do not feel any pain, or do not feel any difficult doing any other work?

A member asked:

Can you repair t5 spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

Is sciatica a form spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

What are the tests for spinal cord injuries?

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