Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
13 December 2017 10:16
40,000 Britons suffer from spinal cord injury
People who are paralysed through spinal cord injury are being given fresh hope following a breakthrough that could regenerate the nerves.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have successfully carried out a transplant procedure of genetically modified cells in rodents, triggering nerve renewal.
The study provides evidence that a new treatment could be developed that would successfully repair the spinal cord, according to Dr Liang-Fong Wong of the Bristol Medical School.
A life-changing condition
Spinal cord injury - for which there is currently no cure - affects around 40,000 people in Britain, according to the Spinal Injuries Association.
The consequences of the condition are full or partial paralysis in either the lower limbs (paraplegia) or all four limbs (tetraplegia).
Those who suffer with paralysis can also experience incontinence, trouble breathing and involuntary spasms.
'Further testing needed'
Spinal cord scars block nerve regrowth, however this new procedure secretes a treatment molecule that removes the scar and can aid recovery.
The scientists have extracted cells from the 'smell system' and genetically modified them to secrete a treatment enzyme known as chondroitinase ABC (ChABC).
The team, led by Dr Wong and Dr Nicolas Granger, says the enzyme has removed some of the glial scar in rodents, but say more research is needed to determine whether the treatment could be effective long term.
Dr Wong, continued: "While these initial results look promising, in order to determine the longer-term survival of our genetically modified cells and assess functional recovery, such as recovery of walking or recovery of continence, we need to carry out further studies to test these cell transplants in more chronic injury models."
Anyone who suffers from a pre-existing medical condition can enjoy a full life and regular holidays with pre-existing medical travel insurance
Anyone who suffers from a pre-existing medical condition can enjoy a full life and regular holidays with pre-existing medical travel insurance.
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
[more...]
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.
01 March 2019
Holidaymakers will soon be able to take advantage of the first direct flight from London to Scotland's Western Isles after Loganair announced three new routes.