Current Trials Test the Benefits of Administering the Progesterone Hormone to TBI Patients

A 3-D model of the Progesterone molecule (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury annually. Breaking this down further, 1.4 million of them are treated and released from Emergency Departments, 275,000 are hospitalized, 80,000 suffer long term disabilities, and 52,000 are killed. 

While there is an alarming number of TBIs occurring each year, there are no approved medications that have been shown to improve a partient's outcome. In recent years, however, progesterone, the natural human hormone often associated with pregnancy, has shown some promise in improving patients' conditions if immediately administered after a TBI. It is believed that progesterone has neuroprotective properties that can reduce the swelling of the brain, a main cause of cell death after injury. 

Currently, two trials are being conducted by researchers at Emory Univeristy and BHR Pharma to further explore the benefits of progesterone in treating TBI patients. Along with Dr. David Gordon, an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, we await the results of these trials with "some measure of cautious optimism."* 

To learn more, check out the below links used to write up this post... 
  
*David Tuller (NYTimes): "A Hormonal Remedy for Brain Injuries Is Explored" 

Denise Dador (ABC Los Angeles): "Hormone Could Help Heal Traumatic Brain Injuries" 

BHR Pharma, LLC: The SyNAPSe Trial Website

Samuel Nobile de Oliveira, a Paraplegic Man in Brazil, Builds His Own Ramp at Town Hall

After growing sick and tired with his public officials’ inaction, Samuel Nobile de Oliveira, a 41-year-old paraplegic man in Brazil, decided to build his own handicap ramp at the town hall. As he says, “Every time I come here I have to ask for help from someone to be able to come up…I Had the day off today and resolved to do this.”

Through his inspiring act, Nobile de Oliveira hopefully raised the awareness to push the town officials to act. As town mayor Hermes Bergamim announced afterwards, “I apologize to all disabled by the situations and constraints…We will take appropriate action in the city so this does not happen anymore.”

Check out the picture of Nobile de Oliveira taking matters into his own hands below and click the link to read more…

The Huffington Post: “Samuel Nobile de Oliveira, Paraplegic Man, Builds His Own Wheelchair Ramp in Brazil.”

The United Spinal Association: A Great Resource for those Living with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders

Here at MFM we recently heard about the impressive work being done by the United Spinal Association. According to their mission statement, the United Spinal Association’s goal “…is to improve the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).” Primarily through “active-lifestyle information, peer support, and advocacy,” this amazing non-profit “empowers people with SCI/D to achieve their highest potential in all facets of life.”

Check out the below links to learn more…

United Spinal Association's Website: http://www.unitedspinal.org/

Resources

Services

Free Publications

PhD Thesis Determines that “Hand Surgery Enhances Life Quality for those with Spinal Cord Injuries”

Patient's hand before surgery (photo credit: University of Gothenburg, The Sahlgrenska Academy)Johanna Wangdell, a PhD student at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, wrote her thesis on the benefits of hand surgery for survivors of cervical spinal cord injuries. Johanna’s is the first study to focus on the “patient viewpoint” of the benefits of such surgeries. Johanna interviewed every patient that had hand reconstruction surgery at Sahlgrenska Univsity Hospital since 2003; Salgrenska has pioneered this procedure and has been performing and enhancing it since the 1970s. According to the results of her research, the majority of patients are extremely satisfied with the results of the surgery.  As Johnanna discovered, “The surgery doesn’t only deliver a physical benefit in the form of increased gripping strength. The ability to eat independently, to carry out household chores and leisure activities offers mental rewards which benefit our social life, our daily habits and the roles we perform. Knowing that you can handle things yourself…is, in many cases, invaluable.” 

Patient's hand after surgery (photo credit: University of Gothenburg, The Sahlgrenska Academy)While patients report increased ability and satisfaction with the surgery, it is not conducted very frequently outside of Sweden. While 4 of 10 spinal cord injury survivors receive the hand surgery in Sweden, the number is only 1 of 10 in the United States. As a result of her study, Johanna hopes that her research “will contribute to the surgery becoming available much more widely, both in Sweden and the rest of the world.”

Click the following link to learn more about Johanna Wangdells research on The University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy website: “Hand surgery enhances life quality for those with spinal cord injuries”

BrainLine.org: "20 Life-Changing Android Apps for People with Brain Injury"

We recently learned of BrainLine.org which offers many great resources for "preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury." Click here to check out BrainLine's new segment on smartphone apps that can help those living with brain injuries.