The Future of Paralysis Treatment

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury to the spinal cord that led to paralysis? You may be wondering what the future holds for you. While many people live full lives with paralysis, science is on the job, working hard to improve treatment options. New discoveries are reshaping what might be possible for people with spinal cord injuries.

The Cleveland Clinic estimates that “Approximately 1 in 50 Americans, or 5.4 million people, have some form of paralysis.”

Paralysis typically occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord. This is the main pathway connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can interrupt the communication between the brain and body parts below the injury site, causing loss of movement and sensation.

Advancements in paralysis treatment can bring hope – not just for improved body function but also for improved quality of life.

Emerging medical treatments for paralysis

Science has developed several groundbreaking treatments for paralysis. Although not every treatment has reached mainstream medicine yet, they do show promise for transforming life after a spinal cord injury.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cells are special because they can develop into different types of cells in the body, potentially replacing damaged ones. Researchers hope to use stem cell therapy to repair damaged spinal cords by regenerating destroyed nerves. For example, stem cells could be injected into a person’s spinal cord to grow and reconnect severed nerve pathways, restoring communication between the brain and the body.

Stem cell therapy is experimental, but early trials have shown promising results. Patients have reported some regained sensation or even small amounts of movement. These results might sound minor, but they represent an important breakthrough. Developing stem cell treatments could mean that people with spinal cord injuries may have a chance to regain function.

Epidural stimulation

Epidural stimulation is another area of research with the goal of helping people with paralysis regain some movement. In this approach, surgeons implant a small electrical device near the spinal cord. This device sends electrical currents to stimulate nerve activity below the injury site, enabling some voluntary movement. In some studies, individuals with spinal cord injuries have been able to stand, walk with assistance, and improve bladder and bowel control after undergoing epidural stimulation.

Some researchers believe that combining epidural stimulation with physical therapy and other treatments can help spinal cord injury patients see great improvements over time.

Robotics and exoskeletons

Advances in robotics have led to the development of wearable exoskeletons that allow people with paralysis to move in ways previously thought impossible. These exoskeletons are basically robotic suits that help support the patient’s body and assist with walking. Sensors and motors respond to the user’s movements, allowing them to walk with assistance or even perform tasks like climbing stairs.

Exoskeletons are already used in some physical therapies to help people with spinal cord injuries improve their strength and endurance. Once this technology becomes more affordable and accessible, exoskeletons could allow people with paralysis to regain mobility and independence in their everyday lives.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology

Could you imagine controlling a robotic arm just by thinking about it? That’s the idea behind brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. BCI tech can read brain signals and translate them into commands by implanting sensors in the brain. A person with a spinal cord injury could use BCI technology to control an exoskeleton or communicate with electronic devices, even if they can’t move their arms or legs.

BCI is still in the early stages, but researchers have successfully tested it with small groups of patients. This tech has the potential to give people with spinal cord injuries the chance to regain independence and control over their environment.

Can my spinal cord injury claim account for future medical costs?

These exciting advancements in spinal cord injury treatments also raise legal and financial considerations. Treatments like BCI, stem cell therapy, and exoskeletons are expensive, and they might not be covered by insurance. These costs can be overwhelming to someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident.

Working with the Los Angeles spine injury lawyers at McNicholas & McNicholas can be a big help. Your spinal injury claim can be structured to account for not only current medical costs but also the potential costs of future treatment. Our attorneys can help estimate all your future expenses, including the costs of new treatments as they become available. If you include these anticipated medical costs in your claim, you could have access to funds for advanced treatment that can improve your quality of life.

When negligence leads to your injury, the liable party can be held responsible for covering your current and future expenses. For example, if you were paralyzed in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, our lawyers would argue for compensation that includes all present and anticipated medical expenses, including future advanced therapies.

Why you should work with a Los Angeles spine injury lawyer

Living your life after a spinal cord injury can be difficult, but our skilled spine injury lawyers can help guide you through the complicated legal process. We can work with medical experts to predict your future costs and fight for compensation that supports you not just now but throughout the future. We can help strengthen your claim and ensure you have the resources to explore new treatments as they become available.

If you’re living with paralysis due to an accidental spine injury, potential new treatments bring hope. However, until these therapies are more accessible and covered by insurance, your personal injury claim is key to seeking the justice and support you deserve. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can pursue compensation that accounts for all of your medical needs, now and in the future.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and are dealing with the life-altering impact of paralysis, you don’t have to face it alone. The spine injury lawyers at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP can help you pursue compensation to cover your current medical needs and anticipate future expenses, providing the financial resources to explore the latest treatments as they become available. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.