Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehabilitation.
Research developments
Progress in developing blood test for neurological disorders
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who led a study that used genetic material from human blood and lab-grown brain cells, say they have made progress in developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain specifically linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Read more.
Blood test can pinpoint cause of brain injury in newborns
Meanwhile, researchers from Imperial College London have shown that a blood test can pinpoint the underlying cause of brain injury in newborns. Their study looked at babies with a type of brain injury caused by hypoxia – a lack of oxygen. It found that patterns of gene expression detectable in the blood can point to the cause of the injury and tell doctors if the newborn is likely to respond to cooling treatment, commonly used to treat brain injury in infants.
The findings, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, could eventually lead to a simple test to quickly diagnose brain injury in newborns and help with treatment decisions.
Black patients with MS have worse physical performance
A study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, reports that Black patients with MS had worse physical and walking performance than white patients, regardless of how severe the disease was. Researchers say future studies should further examine SDOH [social determinants of health]-related factors for explaining the influence of Race on MS.
Molecular mechanism related to neuronal death
A new study published in the journal Science Signaling has identified a molecular complex that regulates the transport of mitochondria within neurons and neuronal death. According to researchers, this discovery could help to locate new therapeutic targets against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, neuromuscular diseases or even some types of tumours. Read more.
Stroke patient’s head position linked to improved neurological function
According to preliminary late-breaking science presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024, positioning patients with large vessel ischemic (clot-caused) stroke with their heads flat before surgery to remove the blood clot resulted in significant improvements in neurological function, compared to patients whose heads were elevated. Researchers found that both 24 hours after surgery and 7 days after discharge, the 0-degree-head-position patients had less neurological deficits on the NIHSS compared to patients with head-positioning at a 30-degree incline before surgery.
Technology news
IRLAB advances pioneering Parkinson’s study
IRLAB Therapeutics has published new updates on its research into pirepemat for the prevention and reduction of falls and fall injuries in Parkinson’s disease. Baseline rates from the Phase IIb React-PD study show that those enrolled fall two to three times more than previously anticipated, providing a higher probability to observe treatment dependent effects. Study enrolment is now expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2024.
Human-like robots to aid stroke rehabilitation
Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University have been awarded €7.3 million to lead a project developing a new intuitive robot that uses technology inspired by the human brain to improve social interaction and rehabilitation of stroke survivors.
The project, funded through Horizon Europe, brings together scientists from five universities across Europe, a research institute and private sector businesses. Over the next four years, researchers will work in close collaboration with clinical partners at the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) to co-design an innovative robotic-led rehabilitation of stroke survivors, which will be demonstrated in pilot clinical trials.
Company updates
Helius Medical Technologies advances towards FDA approval for stroke treatment
Helius Medical Technologies has concluded its interactions with the US FDA regarding the development plan for its stroke treatment programme. Two controlled studies will use the company’s Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) to evaluate cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation for gait and balance deficits in stroke patients. PoNS received breakthrough designations in both multiple sclerosis and stroke in the US, potentially benefiting, with a new indication, an estimated 90 per cent of stroke patients who are covered by Medicare.
Rehabtronics selected to study bed sore prevention device
Rehabtronics, a developer of neurostimulation technologies, has been selected by the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute to conduct a usability and validation study for its pressure injury early intervention technology, Prelivia. Prelivia is a state-of-the-art medical device designed to protect patients from pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. The pilot will evaluate Prelivia’s integration with nursing workflow and potential cost savings at Providence Health Care.
Spinal Injuries Ireland forms strategic partnerships
Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII), the only charity supporting over 2,300 people living with spinal-cord injury in Ireland, has formed strategic partnerships with several leading Irish law firms, financial advisors and care providers. The move is part of a commitment to a system where people with SCI have access to legal, financial and care expertise, Law Society reports.
