Recovery Resources
This comprehensive resource directory provides access to the latest research centers, treatment programs, clinical trials, and support organizations for spinal cord injury recovery. All information has been verified and updated to reflect current developments in the field.
Research Centers & Leading Institutions
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
- Location: University of Miami, Florida
- Focus: Cutting-edge research on spinal cord injury treatments and cures
- Recent Development: Showcased latest research and technology in May 2024
- Website: themiamiproject.org
- Notable Programs: Stem cell research, neuroprotection studies, clinical trials
Stanford Medicine Spinal Cord Research
- Location: Stanford, California
- Recent Breakthrough: MRI scans can now predict recovery outcomes from spinal cord injury
- Specialization: Neuroimaging and recovery prediction technology
- Publication Date: July 2024
Kessler Foundation - Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Location: West Orange, New Jersey
- Focus: Advancing rehabilitation, recovery, and quality of life through innovative science
- Programs: Clinical research, rehabilitation technology, outcome studies
Shepherd Center
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Specialization: Cutting-edge spinal cord injury research with dedicated team advancing treatments
- Programs: Rehabilitation research, technology development, clinical studies
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
- Current Studies: Multicenter study enrolling 100 patients with acute traumatic cervical and thoracic SCI
- Focus: Acute intervention and measurement protocols
- Timeline: 2025 clinical trials ongoing
Emerging Research Programs
Wayne State University
- Recent Funding: $2.8 million grant from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for new therapies
- Focus: Critical 24-hour post-injury treatment window
- Timeline: Active research as of August 2024
Professional OrganizationsMedical & Research Organizations
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
- Website: asia-spinalinjury.org
- Services: Premier North American organization for spinal cord injury care, education, and research
- Current Programs: Early Career Researcher/Clinician webinar series on industry collaborations (2025)
- Professional Development: Free educational webinars and conferences
Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP)
- Website: academyscipro.org
- Membership: Provides medical professionals advanced learning opportunities and professional networking
- Sections: American Paraplegia Society (APS), Association of Spinal Cord Injury professionals
- Services: Professional development, advocacy, specialized training
North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC)
- Function: Brings together organizations and individuals to improve research, care, and policies
- Focus: Collaborative research and policy development
- Participants: Healthcare providers, researchers, patients, families
Patient Support OrganizationsNational Organizations
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- Website: christopherreeve.org
- Investment: Invested more than $140 million in research
- Upcoming Event: 3rd Spinal Cord Injury Innovation Summit (virtual, June 27, 2025)
- Services: Research funding, patient support, advocacy
International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (Kennedy Krieger)
- Website: kennedykrieger.org
- Services: Helps children and adults with spinal cord injuries and paralysis from various causes
- Specialization: Pediatric and adult care, comprehensive rehabilitation
Current Treatment DevelopmentsClinical Pipeline (2025)
Treatment Pipeline Overview
- Current Status: 25 key companies working on 30 spinal cord injury treatment therapies
- Analysis includes: Clinical trials, therapies, mechanism of action, route of administration
- Key Players: NervGen Pharma, VA Office of Research and Development, Kessler Institute
Regenerative Medicine Advances
Stem Cell Therapy Progress
- Current Focus: Regenerative medicine using stem cell therapy, gene editing, and tissue engineering
- Research Areas: Embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells for spinal cord neuron regeneration
- Market Growth: 4.06% CAGR projected through 2024-2034
Breakthrough Technologies
MRI Prediction Technology
- Innovation: Reliably predict functional recovery extent two years after trauma based on neurodegenerative changes
- Timeline: Predictions possible within first six months after injury
- Application: Treatment planning and patient counseling
Recent Breakthrough
- Development: Groundbreaking findings offering new hope for chronic tetraplegia patients
- Publication: January 2025
- Impact: Treatment options for chronic conditions
Rehabilitation Programs & Specialized Rehabilitation Centers
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Centers
- Locations: Multiple NYC locations including Madison Avenue, Morningside, Union Square
- Programs: Comprehensive rehabilitation and human performance initiatives
- Focus: 2025 rehabilitation advancement programs
How to Access Resources For Patients and Families
- Contact research centers directly for clinical trial eligibility
- Connect with patient support organizations for advocacy and resources
- Consult with rehabilitation centers for comprehensive care plans
- Join professional organization patient networks for peer support
Current Statistics
- Incidence Rate: One person incurs a spinal cord injury every hour of every day
- Global Impact: WHO provides comprehensive demographic and health economic data (updated April 2024)
Contact Information
For immediate assistance or more information about specific programs, contact the organizations directly through their websites. Many offer patient navigators and research coordinators to help connect individuals with appropriate resources.
This resource page is updated regularly. For the most current information, always verify details directly with the organizations listed.