Experiencing a spinal cord injury (SCI) is extremely distressing, both physically and psychologically, and throws people into a complex, unfamiliar world of medical procedures, terminology, and decision making. You may have already had surgery to stabilize the spinal column and reduce the possibility of further damage. You are understandably distressed about the functions you may have lost below the level of spinal injury. You wish to recover any lost abilities as soon as possible. You, your family, or friends may have searched the Internet for treatments and cures.
After an SCI, patients are often told that there are no approved drug or cell transplant treatments that will repair the damage and restore voluntary movement. This is still true, regardless of what you may hear or read about a research “breakthrough.” This advice is given with the best intentions, in the hope that people will focus on their rehabilitation and recovery...
