Introduction:
When actor Christopher Reeve injured his spinal cord in a horse-riding accident, people all over the world realized that the star of "Superman" movies had become a different kind of hero. Today, Reeve is a strong advocate for more research on spinal cord injury.
Until recently, many scientists believed that damage to nerve cells in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) could not be repaired. But within the past few years that attitude has begun to change; experiments with laboratory animals are revealing that some regeneration and recovery might be possible.
The articles in this series offer a glimpse of the kinds of research that increase our understanding about nervous system development and function. They also show how scientists use that fundamental information to help improve treatments for people who have spinal cord injuries.
Stories and links:
1. Research Overview: Studies Of Spinal Cord Injury Trigger More Questions
2. What Happens In Human Spinal Cord Injuries?
3. Current Treatment For Human Spinal Cord Injury
