Pentagon awards $2 million grant to fund spinal cord research

One of the most dream deferring injuries one can sustain is a spinal cord injury. From being bound to a wheelchair to living with full body paralysis, New Haven residents known how detrimental a spinal cord injury can be. While injuries can physically impair a victim, they can never eliminate hope. That is why the United States Department of Defense awarded a $2 million grant to help fund research to help people living with spinal cord injuries.

It is estimated that 273,000 Americans currently live with spinal cord injuries with another 12,000 new cases each year. With the new grant provided by the Pentagon, research groups will attempt to discover a new way to treat spinal cord injuries by conducting numerous drug studies. Currently, only a few treatment options are available for patients of spinal cord injuries next to the standard medical care. Most of the research groups have diverted their attention to a new drug called Riluzole that has proven effective in rats for limiting traumatic damage to the spinal cord. The grant will help fund the second and third phase of the drug but it still has a long way to go before it is in production.

Spinal cord injuries are caused by a number of things. Slips and falls are to blame for a majority of spinal cord injuries. In many cases, these injuries can be prevented. There are also many injuries that cannot be prevented. These situations can include unsafe working conditions, dangerous floor surfaces and car accidents. Victims who sustain injuries due to the fault of another will be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to collect damages for their injury.

Any New Haven resident that has suffered from a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another may find that compensation may be awarded. Between high medical expenses, lost wages and a loss of quality of life, damages can add up. An attorney may provide advice and guidance to those in need of legal help.

Source: Houston Chronicle, “Pentagon awards funds to spinal cord injury research,” May 29, 2013