MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. Spinal cord injury can occur after a slip and fall, workplace injury, or car accident. This injury is particularly devastating because it can lead to lost mobility and because it is often a permanent injury. Patients with spinal cord injury may struggle with mobility challenges, changes to their health, and changes to their lifestyle. However, new research offers new hope for spinal cord injury patients.The Smithsonian recently reported on an innovative pair of trousers developed by a research team at Bristol University. The trousers use the wearer’s real muscles as well as artificial muscles in the pants to stimulate movement. The trousers can be particularly helpful with helping an injured person bend a stiff joint or helping a person stand up. Other models stimulate the muscles directly using small electric shocks. Spinal cord injury damages the pathway between the brain and the muscle, and the electric stimulus restores signals to the muscles that no longer receive them. However, as it stands, the pants remain in the prototype stage.
While these trousers could potentially help people with spinal cord injury walk again, many individuals with spinal cord injury say that bladder control is more important to them than walking. According to Healthline, of the 250,000 people who suffer spinal cord injury each year, approximately 80 percent lose bladder control. Bladder problems can lead to other illnesses, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and incontinence. These patients may require catheters, which can create added challenges, in terms of their health and in terms of their ability to go out and enjoy regular life activities. Catheter use comes with long-term health risks, according to Healthline. These risks include scarring and urinary tract infections.
Recent studies have found that magnetic stimulation has shown early positive effects for men with lost bladder control after a spinal cord injury. One patient was able to regain bladder control 13 years after his spinal cord injury.
The aftermath of a life-altering injury can be devastating for victims and their families. Victims may struggle with adjusting to life changes and families might find themselves thrust into the role of becoming caregivers for a disabled loved one.
Access to cutting edge medical care is essential when recovering from any serious injury, but particularly when recovering from a spinal cord injury. Leading research has produced leaps and bounds when it comes to quality of life for these patients.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino are personal injury lawyers who are closely watching how new research can change the lives of these patients. If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a car accident, workplace accident, or slip and fall, you may be entitled to seek damages for your medical care and rehabilitation costs. Visit our firm at https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more about your options and rights.
THE LAW OFFICE OF MARTIN T. MONTILINO, LLC
3109 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 236-1320