Research at Work

Paralysis is the result of some sort of disconnection between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the body. Sometimes scientists know why this happens, as in the case of trauma, for example, wherein nerve cells are knocked out by directly by some outside force. In many other cases, including diseases such as multiple sclerosis or transverse myelitis, the breakdown of the nervous system comes from within, and this makes for a very complex mystery.

Biomedical research hopes to unravel the mysteries of nervous system disease and trauma and to return as much function as possible to people who have lost it. This is, of course, easier said than done.

A generation ago, the notion of "cure" for spinal cord injury or other paralyzing conditions wasn’t part of the vocabulary. The central nervous system was simply not viewed as fixable. Few scientists invested their careers in what was considered a dead end area of research. But over the years, things have changed.

The field of restorative neuroscience is bubbling with energy and expectation. There are more scientists working on brain and spinal cord dysfunction now that at any time in history. Even the most conservative researchers no longer believe that the damaged or diseased nervous system cannot be treated.

The clues are mounting. Clinical trials for innovative treatments and therapies will steadily increase in coming years. Our knowledge of the brain and spinal cord is far beyond what it was just a few years ago, but it’s still limited. Many discoveries are still needed to assure that treatments are effective and safe.

While there is much work to do, it is important to know that there is reason for hope. .

The Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure ParalysisFormed to support research in spinal cord injury.

The Australian Spinal Research FoundationFunds research for treatments of spinal cord injuries.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS)Funds numerous projects to develop treatments for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Clinical TrialsAn internet resource with current listings of all federally supported clinical trials in the U.S., sorted by disease or condition, location, treatment or sponsor. Developed by the National Library of Medicine.

Center WatchClinical trials listing of industry professionals, patients and info.

Dana FoundationA nonprofit organization that provides reliable, accessible information on brain and spinal cord research.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Funds research to develop therapies for many conditions related to paralysis, including traumatic injury and chronic disease.

The International Spinal Research TrustISRT is the only charity based in the United Kingdom dedicated to funding research to end the permanence of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.

International Campaign for Cures of Spinal Cord Injury ParalysisA group of organizations around the world that together fund about $25 million a year in SCI research. The members include: the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Australasian and International Spinal Research Trusts, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Rick Hansen Institute and Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation.

The Mike Utley FoundationProvides financial support of selected research, rehabilitation and education programs on spinal cord injuries.

Myelin ProjectFunds research for diseases related to loss of myelin (a fatty insulation on nerve fibers) including multiple Sclerosis and leukodystrophy.

The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation ResearchNCMRR supports research on enhancing the daily functioning of people with disabilities and hopes to improve mobility, assistive technology and therapies.

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation ResearchNIDRR supports research focused on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The National MS SocietyThe National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now -- to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn't.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeProvides research overviews for all diseases and conditions related to paralysis.

The Paralysis Project of AmericaBased in Los Angeles, The Paralysis Project of America funds selected scientific and clinical studies that focus on spinal cord repair and regeneration.

The Rick Hansen Man in Motion FoundationCreated in Canada in 1988 to support spinal cord injury research, as well as wheelchair sport, injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.

SpinalCure AustraliaEstablished in 1994 to fund scientific research to find a cure for paralysis.

Quality of Life Grants DatabaseFind resources within the PRC Quality of Life Grants Database. Search by Zip Code, State or an Entire Category.

Library Books and VideosFind resources within the PRC library catalog.

FREE: a comprehensive information tool for people affected by paralysis and for those who care for them. In English and Spanish. Request your copy. Read the online version.

Check out programs in your area on our one-of-a kind online searchable Quality of Life program database. You can search by location or topic. GO

The information provided in the Paralysis Resource Center was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number 1U59DD000338 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.