People from Pennsylvania who have undergone trauma to their spinal columns, whether through accident, injury or illness, may be aware of a condition known as spasticity. This disabling injury occurs when the neurological control of a body part or area is impaired, causing the muscle or muscles to spasm, flex or contract uncontrollably. Modern research on this debilitating condition is now evaluating the possibility of satisfactory pharmaceutical treatments, and this is thanks to the researchers who discovered the exact mechanism by which spasticity occurs.
Nerve cells, or neurons, control how the muscles of the human body are activated and deactivated. These neurons are activated and deactivated through sodium channels. Scientific research has discovered that these sodium channels can be inhibited in order to control spasticity.
Knowledge of this mechanism has allowed researchers to postulate two new avenues of pharmacological treatment, riluzole and a calpain inhibitor. Both of these methods have been shown to work in animals, and human trials are nearly ready to begin with riluzole.
Spinal cord trauma is extremely injurious to the health and quality of life of anyone who suffers from it. If their injury has been caused by the irresponsibility or illegal action of another, then it may be possible be able to file a civil suit against those liable and collect economic redress for the damages. If the case is brought before an attorney, then they may be able to comment on the legal potential of the case as well as recommend expert testimony and other professionals whose services may be helpful to their cause.
Source: Medical Xpress, “Two Potential Therapeutic Avenues for Spasticity”, March 17, 2016