Drug for Spinal Muscular Atrophy May Help Older Children: Study

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 -- A drug used to treat a rare and deadly muscle-wasting disease in children still improves muscle control even if treatment begins at a later age, a new study found.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of death in infants worldwide. It attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, which can affect breathing, swallowing, walking and head control.

Spine Stimulation May Help Paralyzed Patients Regain Bladder Control

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 -- Many people with spinal cord injuries suffer the loss of bladder control, but a small new study shows that stimulation of the lower spine might help them regain some of that control.

The study included five male patients. For four months, they received 15 minutes a week of noninvasive, painless lower spinal cord stimulation conducted through the skin using a magnetic device.

Childhood Brain Tumor Treatment May Hamper Adult Survivors

THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 -- More than half of adults who survived childhood brain and spinal cord cancers don't live fully independent lives, a new study finds.

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., assessed more than 300 survivors in areas such as employment, marital status, ability to drive, independent living and need for help with routine or personal care needs.