Providing a 'vision to prevent paralysis'

29th June 2010

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A parliamentary reception has been informed of the "revolutionary treatments" being developed through research into spinal cord injuries.

Speaking at the Spinal Research reception 'Paralysis - stepping up to the challenge', on Monday afternoon, Lord Walton of Detchant praised the results of research into treatment for spinal injury sufferers and noted the numerous benefits of medical research in the UK.

Lord Walton, a patron of Spinal Research and former neurologist, said:

"The benefits of research into spinal cord injuries are numerous. It strengthens the economy, seeks to improve people's lives and keeps Britain ahead in scientific endeavour and innovation. I am confident that there is, on the horizon, a great deal to be grateful for."

Noting that research into spinal injuries has made "extraordinary progress", Lord Walton continued:

"The results of research in the animal kingdom have been immensely encouraging. This work now needs to be translated into the treatment of humans."

Also speaking at the reception was Jonathan Miall, Spinal Research's chief executive.

Miall informed attendees, including MPs Anne Begg and Ian Lucas and Baroness Masham of Ilton, that:

"Spinal cord injury currently leads to life-long disability through paralysis, of variant degrees, depending on the level of injury. There are a number of other implications for patients, in terms of mental health, physical health, social and financial exclusion and employability. These issues are being addressed, but their impact is still enormous. It leads to enormous personal and national cost.

"If a repair can reduce paralysis and increase function by just a few vertebrae, it could mean the restoration of self-breathing or getting the use of a hand back. This could be the difference between one carer instead of two, or none instead of one - the financial upsides are obvious."

Introducing the groundbreaking translational initiative, head of research Dr Mark Bacon focused on Spinal Research's "vision to prevent and reverse paralysis".

He noted that "New research could mean patients no longer needing ventilation, or regaining the use of their hands, thus reducing care costs and vastly improving quality of life and productivity."

Bacon went on to outline Spinal Research's plan for the translational initiative, including the establishment of a centre of translational research excellence where collaboration on disciplined research would be supported, a National Clinical Trials Network, and a national database of patients with spinal cord injuries.

Bacon said:

"Spinal Research is uniquely placed to promote this; we have been the primary funder for research into spinal cord injuries for nearly 30 years."

The reception was hosted in association with Dods, The House Magazine and ePolitix.com.

Please view more about the translational initiative.

You can also view an interview with Jonathan Miall and a Spinal Research press release on the reception.