Distinguished researchers review the latest scientific understanding of spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on the mechanisms causing paralysis after spinal cord trauma, the molecular determinants of neural regeneration, and methods for improving damaged function. The authors examine the role of intracellular Ca2+ in neuronal death, the possibility of spinal learning, growth-promoting molecules for regenerating neurons, and the biochemistry and cell biology of microtubules. Among the treatment possibilities discussed are cell transplantation strategies beyond the use of fetal spinal cord tissue, remyelination in spinal cord demyelination models, high steroid therapy immediately after SCI, and the mixed use of anti- and proinflammatories. Comprehensive and highly promising, Neurobiology of Spinal Cord Injury summarizes and integrates the great progress that has been made in understanding and combating the paralysis that follows spinal cord injury.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury will enhance readers' understanding of the complexities of the diagnosis and management of spinal cord injuries. Featuring chapters on drug delivery, exercise, and rehabilitation, this volume discusses in detail the impact of the clinical features, diagnosis, management, and long-term prognosis of spinal cord injuries on the lives of those affected. The book has applicability for neuroscientists, neurologists, clinicians, and anyone working to better understand spinal cord injuries. - Covers both the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injury - Contains chapter abstracts, key facts, dictionary, and summary points to aid in understanding - Features chapters on epidemiology and pain - Includes MRI usage, biomarkers, and stem cell and gene therapy for management of spinal cord injury - Discusses pain reduction, drug delivery, and rehabilitation

An estimated 11,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States and more than 200,000 Americans suffer from maladies associated with spinal cord injury. This includes paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, respiratory impairment, temperature regulation problems, and chronic pain. During the last two decades, longstanding beliefs about the inability of the adult central nervous system to heal itself have been eroded by the flood of new information from research in the neurosciences and related fields. However, there are still no cures and the challenge of restoring function in the wake of spinal cord injuries remains extremely complex. Spinal Cord Injury examines the future directions for research with the goal to accelerate the development of cures for spinal cord injuries. While many of the recommendations are framed within the context of the specific needs articulated by the New York Spinal Cord Injury Research Board, the Institute of Medicine's panel of experts looked very broadly at research priorities relating to future directions for the field in general and make recommendations to strengthen and coordinate the existing infrastructure. Funders at federal and state agencies, academic organizations, pharmaceutical and device companies, and non-profit organizations will all find this book to be an essential resource as they examine their opportunities.

Brain Protection Strategies and Nanomedicine, Volume 266 in the Progress in Brain Research serial highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of topics, including Histamine H3 and H4 receptors modulate Parkinson’s disease induced brain pathology: Neuroprotective effects of nanowired BF-2649 and clobenpropit with anti-histamine-antibody therapy, Ultra Early Molecular Biologic Diagnosis Of Malignant And Neurodegenerative Diseases By The Immunospecific Profiles Of The Proteins Markers Of The Surface Of The Mobilized Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Neuroprotective effects of Insulin like growth factor-1 on Engineered metal Nanoparticles Ag, Cu and Al induced blood-brain barrier breakdown, and more. Other chapters cover how Methamphetamine exacerbates pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury at high altitude: Neuroprotective effects of nanodelivery of a potent antioxidant compound H-290/51, Effectiveness of bortezomib and temozolomide for eradication of recurrent human glioblastoma cells, resistant to radiation, and more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in Progress in Brain Research serials Includes the latest information on brain protection strategies and nanomedicine

Spinal injury affects about 10 million people annually worldwide, impacting on the family unit and causing lifelong disabilities, with varied symptoms including paresthesia, spasticity, loss of motor control, and often severe pain. Cellular, Molecular, Physiological, and Behavioral Aspects of Spinal Cord Injury will enhance readers' understanding of the biological and psychological effects of spinal cord injury. Featuring chapters on gene expression, metabolic effects, and behavior, this volume discusses in detail the impact of spinal cord injury to better understand the underlying pathways and processes. The book has applicability for neuroscientists, neurologists, clinicians, and anyone working to better understand these injuries. - Summarizes the neuroscience of spinal cord injury, including cellular and molecular biology - Contains chapter abstracts, key facts, dictionary, and summary points to aid in understanding - Features chapters on signaling and hormonal events - Includes plasticity and gene expression - Examines health and stress behaviors after spinal cord injury

With the contribution from more than one hundred CNS neurotrauma experts, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account on the latest developments in the area of neurotrauma including biomarker studies, experimental models, diagnostic methods, and neurotherapeutic intervention strategies in brain injury research. It discusses neurotrauma mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and neurocognitive and neurobehavioral deficits. Also included are medical interventions and recent neurotherapeutics used in the area of brain injury that have been translated to the area of rehabilitation research. In addition, a section is devoted to models of milder CNS injury, including sports injuries.