Now that the new year is in full swing, we have a fresh set of Working 2 Walk videos that will be headed your way in the coming weeks and months.
Dr. Andrei Krassioukov gave an invigorating presentation at Working 2 Walk 2018 in Vancouver this past year. It generated a fair amount of conversation amongst both the SCI and scientific communities in attendance.
In his presentation, Spinal Cord Neuromodulation for Restoration of Autonomic Functions After Spinal Cord Injury, Dr. Krossioukov discusses the invisible disabilities following SCI; the complexity of autonomic dysfunctions; and the potential for electrical stimulation to provide some benefit. He also shares some data and updates from the EStand Trial taking place in Minneapolis, MN. This trial has been funded, in part by the Minnesota SCI/TBI Research Grant Program. You can read a great summary of the trial HERE (free registration required). Don't forget to watch through to the end for the Question & Answer session with Working 2 Walk attendees.
Spinal Cord Neuromodulation for Restoration of Autonomic Functions after Spinal Cord Injury
ABSTRACT: During the last decade we see growing evidence that electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) improves motor functions in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Interestingly, SCS (both invasive/epidural and non-invasive/transcutaneus stimulation) also has potentials for modulation of autonomic functions. Remarkably, autonomic recovery is among the highest priorities among individuals with SCI. However, based on examination of the registered clinical trials (https://clinicaltrials.gov) only 10% of the trials included evaluation of autonomic dysfunctions as primary or as secondary outcome. During this presentation participants will learn about potential benefits of the epidural/trasncutaenous SCS on various autonomic dysfunctions that negatively impact health and quality of life of individuals with SCI. The issues of optimization of stimulation parameters and protocols for activation of voluntary (motor) functions versus non-voluntary (autonomic) functions will be also discussed. Finally, the needs and intensity of rehabilitation prior/post initiation of SCS will be discussed.
Hopefully, you've already listened to the latest podcast conversation I had with Drs. David Magnuson and Karim Fouad entitled: "What Are We Doing?" which is Episode 28 of U2FP's CureCast podcast. It's encouraging to see more and more conversation and collaboration happening within the scientific community. And U2FP continues to be your broker, ensuring that the SCI Community's priorities are kept at the forefront of these conversations.
Stay tuned for more Working 2 Walk videos announced here in our newsletter, stored in our Vimeo album, and featured on the Video Library page of our website.
Join us,
Matthew Rodreick, Executive Director
U2FP
P.S. Our Working 2 Walk Symposium, CureCast Podcast, and Cure Advocacy Network (which is working to pass legislation like the Minnesota SCI/TBI Research Grant Program) couldn't happen without your support. Consider supporting our work in whatever way you are able - thank you!
