Studies indicate that an implant may regulate blood pressure in individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries.
In a significant development, the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine is spearheading research in partnership with two other universities to address the challenging issue of blood pressure regulation in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
At the heart of this research is Cody Krebs, a 32-year-old resident of Didsbury, central Alberta, who sustained a severe spinal cord injury three years ago due to a motor vehicle accident. As a result, Cody requires the use of a wheelchair and has experienced instances where his blood pressure would spike due to severe nerve pain, causing him to break out in a sweat and experience severe migraines.
The research being conducted at the University of Calgary involves a targeted therapy for blood pressure regulation. This therapy, which uses an implant similar to a cardiac pacemaker, delivers electrical stimulation to regulate blood pressure. The implant works by electrically stimulating the spinal cord, allowing the nervous system to communicate with electricity.
Aaron Phillips, an associate dean with the university's medical school, explains that spinal cord injuries lead to the loss of the brain's ability to regulate blood pressure. Dr. Fady Girgis, a neurosurgeon and associate professor at the school, states that the surgery is simple and the results are encouraging.
The treatment developed addresses both low and high blood pressure issues, a significant improvement for many patients as it significantly improves their quality of life. Cody Krebs himself has experienced instances where transferring from his bed to his chair nearly caused him to lose consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure.
This joint research has led to a rare double publication in both the journals Nature and Nature Medicine. The research being conducted at the University of Calgary involves 14 participants across four clinical studies. These clinical studies were conducted in Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Government approval has been given to initiate a pivotal trial of the therapy in approximately 20 neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical research centers across Canada, Europe, and the United States. This trial marks a significant step towards making this life-changing treatment available to a wider audience.
It is worth noting that, besides the University of Calgary, no other specific institutions involved in the clinical test for blood pressure regulation therapy in people with spinal cord injury are mentioned in the provided search results. However, this groundbreaking research holds immense potential for improving the lives of countless individuals affected by spinal cord injuries.
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