Established and Emerging Therapies in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with a significant impact on patients and their families. Following a spinal cord injury, the body starts a series of processes that can cause further damage. These include reduced blood flow, inflammation, and a harmful immune response. Researchers are exploring new treatments that aim to address these secondary injuries and promote the regeneration of nerve cells.

• 1
  Early surgical decompression (within 24 hours) is associated with better neurological recovery and shorter hospital stays.
• 2
  Maintaining adequate blood pressure (MAP of 85–90 mmHg) for the first 5–7 days after injury can improve functional outcomes.
• 3
  Emerging therapies focus on preventing ischemia, minimizing inflammation, controlling cytotoxic responses, modulating the immune response, and promoting nerve regeneration.