Abstract

Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) continues to present a challenging spectrum of diseases. Pessimism about the prognosis and potential treatment for SCI has persisted until recently. Advances in the emergency, diagnostic, medical, and surgical care of these patients have prompted fresh enthusiasm for developing further treatment strategies. This progress for the most part is a direct result of advances made in the laboratory from basic science research, as well as innovative clinical studies. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCI and details the evolution of therapies designed to enhance recovery that have arisen from the laboratory.

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