Researchers at Birmingham University have developed a groundbreaking laser treatment that could potentially reverse spinal damage in people who are left paralyzed. The treatment involves delivering near-infrared light to prevent and possibly reverse nerve cell death. This therapy has shown promising results in rats with spinal injuries and could potentially be trialed in humans in the next two to three years, pending approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The cost of this treatment is estimated to be less than £100 per patient if approved by the NHS. This innovative approach offers hope for individuals who have sustained spinal cord injuries, potentially preventing paralysis and restoring movement and sensation in affected patients.
Spinal cord injuries are a significant cause of paralysis, with 2,500 people sustaining such injuries annually in the UK due to various reasons, including accidents, sports-related injuries, and falls. Currently, the available treatments for spinal injuries focus on managing symptoms, as there are limited options for reversing paralysis. However, the new near-infrared light therapy, known as photobiomodulation, aims to address this gap in treatment by stimulating nerve cell regeneration and reducing inflammation. By delivering light therapy to the injury site using a small fiber optic cable, the treatment could potentially prevent further damage and promote recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries.
The primary damage from spinal injuries can lead to a cascade of events that result in further nerve cell death, swelling, and fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. This damage often results in paralysis, as the spinal cord tissues are unable to repair themselves effectively due to the formation of scar tissue. The near-infrared light therapy developed by the Birmingham University research team aims to address these issues by reducing cavities in the spinal cord, promoting nerve cell regeneration, and potentially reawakening neurons to restore movement and sensation in paralyzed individuals.
In animal studies, the delivery of red light at a specific wavelength for a short duration each day resulted in increased survival of nerve cells and restoration of movement and sensation in rats with spinal injuries. The therapy involves inserting a small fiber optic cable into the spine to deliver near-infrared light directly to the injury site. This approach activates light-sensitive molecules in the cells’ powerhouses, known as mitochondria, leading to improved cell metabolism, reduced inflammation, and nerve cell regeneration. The research team plans to expand human clinical trials over the next five years to assess the therapy’s effectiveness in patients with historic spinal injuries who are currently using wheelchairs.
The researchers at Birmingham University have patented the light delivery cable device for spinal injuries and are seeking funding for human clinical trials to further explore the treatment’s potential. By incorporating this innovative therapy into surgical procedures for spinal cord injuries, surgeons may have the opportunity to implant a device during the operation to protect and repair the damaged spinal cord. The ultimate goal is to enable paralyzed individuals to regain movement, potentially allowing them to walk again and participate in activities they enjoy. This new approach to treating spinal cord injuries offers hope for individuals living with paralysis and represents a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine.
In addition to spinal cord injuries, the researchers believe that this near-infrared light therapy could have broader applications in treating traumatic brain injuries and reducing swelling in various neurological conditions. By harnessing the power of light to stimulate cellular regeneration and repair, this innovative approach may pave the way for new treatment options for patients with a range of neurological disorders. The research team’s ongoing work, patents, and plans for human clinical trials underscore the potential impact of this groundbreaking laser treatment in transforming the lives of individuals living with paralysis and neurological conditions.
