Updated on: 11/7/2019
The University of Louisville’s spinal cord scientists have accrued more than $13.7 million for spinal cord research, from outside sources in 2011. Since 2000, the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center has reached $64.1 million in funding.The researchers at the university, along with two universities in California, used electrical stimulation and rehabilitation to help a paraplegic man stand and take steps with assistance. This was a major breakthrough for millions of paralyzed people.
“This is tangible evidence of our efforts to become a nationally recognized premier metropolitan research university,” said U of L President James Ramsey. “We have taken the investment that the state has made in our program, brought in the best researchers to work on spinal cord injury, and begun to help people.”
The University of Kentucky continues to make great strides for spinal cord injury victims. The funding has come from competitive grants, gifts, and donations.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
Automobile accidents cause 42.1 % of spinal cord injuries. More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed.
Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc. In both cases the accident victim may require surgery, years of treatment and physical therapy, and the injuries can completely change the life of the victim.