Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : May 20, 2014 7:46 PM IST
People paralysed with spinal injuries could regain some movement after new technology proved successful in controversial animal tests, scientists have claimed. Dr Andrew Jackson asserted that when someone had a damaged motor cortex or spinal cord, the problem is that the signal from the brain to the muscles does not get through, Sky News reported. He said what their research had done was to restore the connection to allow the signal telling the hand to move to reach the spinal cord. Dr Jackson said that macaque monkeys were trained to grasp and pull a spring-loaded handle and were then temporarily paralyzed with the help of a drug that wore off after about two hours.
What is paralysis?
Paralysis refers to the loss of muscle function and is usually accompanied by sensory loss in the affected area. It's usually caused by damage to the central nervous system especially the spinal cord. Causes include stroke, trauma, nerve damage, polio, multiple sclerosis, etc. Paralysis can occur either partially or fully. Lower half paralysis is called paraplegia and paralysis of both arms and legs is called quadriplegia. It happens because the brain can't send messages to the different parts of the body for various reasons. If the nerve fibres are damaged the paralysis is usually irreversible.
With inputs from IANS
For more articles on paralysis, visit our paralysis section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
