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Transcript of FULL111711
TREATMENTS 2
Table of Contents
Disclaimer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
I. Medicinal Treatments
The current state of stem cell treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
On painless stem cell treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Re-examining prior treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pastoral integration #1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
II. Physiological/Neurological Treatments
Building microscopic bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hope through the light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Solidifying broken spinal cords by breaking solid barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Pastoral integration #2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
III. Biomechanical Treatments
Stimulating growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Pastoral integration #3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
TREATMENTS 3
Disclaimer
Many of the articles summarized herein involve scientific research conducted through the use of
animal testing. My personal beliefs include those stating that all life, regardless of species, is
sacred.
However, once the purpose and goal of an experiment is clear; once the treatment methods are as
painless as possible; and only once the researchers have concluded that animal testing is an
absolute necessity does there allow for the prevalent gray area of bioethics to emerge.
While I do believe in the cause of this research, I may not automatically condone or disapprove
of the methods of experimentation on animal subjects.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast”
- Proverbs 12:10
“Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth…?”
- Job 35:11
TREATMENTS 4
The current state of stem cell treatment.
Spinal cord injury results in a disruption of “communication” between the brain and
muscles that move, or perceive sensation from, extremities. Voluntary movement is either
impaired or completely suppressed, which also involves the control of bladder and bowel
movements. Spinal cord injuries result from different types of event trauma (See Figure A.1, p.
24). Depending on the severity of the accident, the level of impairment is also affected (See
Figure A.3, p. -). Although the number of people affected in the United States alone is increasing
at an approximate rate of 11,000 per year (retrieved from:
http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html), that figure also represents those alive, which could
indicate a positive correlation with the prevalence of modern treatments and improved acute care
in the hours following the injury (Kraft, 2005, para. 3).
Since the discovery of the potential human stem cells have in fighting disease, much of
the research concerning a possible cure for paralysis have involved stem cell experimentation.
Along with spinal cord injury induced paralysis, stem cell research has a capability to provide
life changing treatment to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) to name only a few.
In order to write as exhaustive a literature review as possible concerning the major trends
and breakthroughs in spinal cord therapy, there needs to be a great deal of focus on stem cell
research. Although this modality, as will be discussed, is at the forefront of the discovery of a
cure for spinal cord injury, it also stands as the most controversial.
Embryonic stem cells are considered to be the “Swiss Army knife” of regenerative
science. Their unique pluripotency allows the cells to grow into any type of over 200 tissue types
TREATMENTS 5
(Svoboda, 2009, para. 2). However, the cells are harvested during the early fetal stage. This is
most commonly protested by those who believe that human life begins at the moment of
conception, therefore, the extraction process technically constitutes murder.
Induced pluripotent stem cells are, on the other hand, not received from a human embryo.
They do, however, possess similar regenerative powers, and can metamorphose into lung,
stomach, and heart cells, to name a few. When injected into skin cells, they reset their
developmental process, thus earning them the name “the fountain of youth” (Svoboda, 2009,
para. 3).
Regardless of how stem cells are extracted, and regardless of how much spiritual and
legal supervision is provided, “as stem cell research intensifies, so to will the ethical objections”
(Svoboda, 2009, para. 26). These ethical objections, if left unresolved for long enough, will coax
the government to intervene and enforce a decision one way or another. In an interview, actor
and activist Christopher Reeve stated: “I used to think that hope was the product of science
funding, but actually, to a large extent, it’s going to be determined by politics. This makes it very
difficult to project time lines” (New Scientist, 2003, para. 24).
In 2005, President George W. Bush vetoed the first bill that would have provided federal
funding to stem cell research. He vetoed the second in 2007. In November of 2009, however,
President Obama signed into law the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Since then, many
individual states have lifted, or loosened, their restrictions of funding or use.
Even when the hurdles are removed, and stem cell research can make subsequent
breakthroughs, a lot more time will be needed in order to help eliminate the possibility of
unexpected side-effects and reactions. Although stem cells could be considered universal, there
TREATMENTS 6
does remain the issue of adapting to each individual’s unique biochemistry (as will be discussed
later with the issue of cybernetics). Although the federal restriction on research funding was
lifted, and even if money was no object, there must be no rush in this matter. It is only once work
is sped up does it run the risk of being done sloppily. In order for any new treatments, and even
cures, to be released to the general public, all aspects and potential outcomes need to have their
benefits greatly outweigh negative risks.
TREATMENTS 7
On painless stem cell treatment.
Research conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden was able to make
lab rats, whose hind limbs were paralyzed by spinal cord injuries, show improved mobility in
their hind legs (Hofstetter et al., 2005). Adult neural stem cells had been injected into the rats’
injury sites. Five weeks after the initial treatment, though, the rats displayed signs of increased
tactile sensitivity in their forelegs and upper body half. Slight touches or slight changes in room
temperature caused the rats to become agitated.
Once the spinal cords of the rats were examined afterward was the mystery surrounding
the bizarre reactions revealed. The injected stem cells were able to bridge the gap in the spinal
cord; however, the cells did not know when to “stop” growing. This resulted in abnormally large
amounts of astrocytes, which coaxed even further growth among the newly mended spinal cord.
Nerves along the spinal cord which sense pain (involving both pressure and temperature) had
multiplied, thus resulting in a much lower threshold of sensitivity.
In order to prevent a reoccurrence, subsequent tests had to include an artificial gene along
with stem cell treatment which would cause the astrocyte to stop growing upon reaching a
certain level of development. Another hope of which would be that there would then be a higher
number of oligodendrocytes, which also work to repair damaged nerve fibers.
The results of the follow-up experiment were a success. This research was a critical move
in general stem cell research. It specifically shed light on the issue of combining maturing neural
fibers with a previously developed individual. The injected cells need to also possess the
information of when and where to stop growing. It’s possible that, along with tactile
hypersensitivity, other side effects could include bodily convulsions, psychological hysteria, and
TREATMENTS 8
reactions resembling those of a grand mal seizure. This was a reminder that, although no amount
of experimentation can accurately predict and counteract negative consequences, research must
do what it can in order to exhaust all possibilities direct and indirect.
TREATMENTS 9
Re-examining prior treatments.
While examining articles to select for a literature review, one must assess the importance
of the research. Basically, what could set this particular article apart from others in what it has to
offer the scientific community? Of course, this is a difficult question to address, primarily
because by the time a research article has reached its publication stage, the seeming importance
of the research itself may be inflated. It is, therefore, effective to try to see past any type of
potentially vague promise, e.g. “this could mean amazing things to the world!...”. One of the
most important aspects in any type of research involving the curing of disease is how practical
would it be to have it available for the masses. A sign of practicality would be if a treatment is
not an invention of a new wheel, but the formation of a new wheel using smaller ones.
Even an optimist would claim that the cure for spinal cord injury will likely never be a
matter of “one and done”. In 2003, three separate experiments were being conducted in the hopes
of forming a single three-pronged form of treatment. The conglomerate form of therapy would
involve a series of injections, given at different times, to chemically coax the reformation and
growth of neurons surrounding the site of injury. The therapy would also seek to suppress the
inhibitory factors that had been preventing neuronal regrowth.
A recent discovery found that spinal neurons could not regrow because of the Reticulon-4
isoform called “NOGO-A”, a genetic protein that permanently halts neuron growth once the
appropriate stage of development is reached (Oertle et al., 2003).
The development of an antibody, IN-1, was not effective. It was then discovered that the
inhibition of neuronal growth is also affected by two additional factors: myelin-associated
glycoprotein and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein.
TREATMENTS 10
All three proteins, though, bind to the same neural receptor. Therefore, if the receptor site
itself is blocked, the inhibitory factors of the proteins would be blocked simultaneously. Filbin et
al. (2003) found that raised levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) overcomes the
inhibitory factors of NOGO-A. Thankfully, there had already existed a relatively inexpensive
prescription medication which did exactly that.
Rolipram, (aka brand name Calbiochem), was prescribed as an anti-depressant. Although
it was eventually withdrawn due to its side effects of nausea and vomiting, there are no side
effects present if taken intravenously (which is what this treatment would require).
Laboratory studies showed that 70% of a group of rats, whose spinal cords were partially
severed in the neck region, had regained voluntary mobility in the affected bodily area. Only
20% of the placebo group had regained theirs’. The treatment of rolipram had lasted
approximately two weeks (Filbin et al., 2003).
While this study in itself cannot be considered conclusive, (only 20 rats were used in the
experiment, and a 20% success rate can be high for a placebo group), it does suggest that raised
levels of cAMP help play a role in spinal cord regeneration.
Experiments conducted around this time were guided by the recent finding that neurons
could actually regrow, and that the factors deterring them from such were external. Similarly, the
concept of neurogenesis is only about 20 years old. Before then, it was commonly believed and
accepted that neurons were simply unable to regrow and that a person was born with all the
neurons and brain cells he or she will ever have (retrieved from: http://www.sfn.org/index.aspx?
pagename=brainBriefings_adult_neurogenesis).
TREATMENTS 11
The promise that this experiment offers, unfortunately, is matched by so many other
experiments seeking to accomplish the same thing. Research experimentation is, for lack of a
better term, a gamble. Despite the potential each group of scientists see in a possible new lead in
the curing if spinal cord injury, “[this field has seen many false dawns…not all findings live up
to their initial promise” (Wilson, 2003, para. 11).
Pastoral Integration #1
The role of the therapist in general is to serve as a guide. In the case of medicinal
treatments, a likely source of dissonance, or basic reason of why the client is seeking counseling
from a pastoral counselor, would be pain as a medicinal side effect. If any of the above
mentioned treatments were eventually used on humans, it is not unreasonable to believe that
moderate to severe pain would be an eventuality. A pastoral counseling may be able, for
instance, to aid the client with meditative and mind-centering techniques that would help to
alleviate pain.
Also, in the case of, let’s say, a Vatican I Roman Catholic, he or she might believe that
the pain felt could have meaning or purpose. After all, Christ suffered; and pain could be easily
viewed as a reminder of our human frailty, thus rightful humility. A pastoral counselor may work
with this particular client to either remove personal responsibility from the pain, (e.g. “this is not
your fault”), because the client’s initial mindset could bring the potential of honing in to more
insidious mentalities, (e.g. “I deserve this”).
TREATMENTS 12
Building microscopic bridges.
Italian scientists, inspired by hollow tube-like pasta called bucatini, created and
developed a form of implantable, biodegradable scaffolding that serves two purposes in helping
neurons regrow and possibly reconnect. The first purpose is as a guide so that the neurons do not
deviate from their intended pathways, and secondly, as a preservation barrier through fluid-filled
cysts and scar tissue. “The tubes provide the reference point for the cells, and the tissue starts to
build up” (Coghlan, 2011, para. 3).
These “nano-conduits”, only between two and three millimeters long and 0.5 millimeters
in diameter, are made of two substances called polycaprolactone and poly(lactic-co-glycolic)
acid, or PGLA. In order to ensure that the tubes, once implanted, would remain in place, they
were coated with self-assembling peptides (aka chemical “hooks”) that would anchor into cells
along the outside surface of the tube. The inside of the tubes were filled with a gel containing
natural growth factors that would serve to aid the growth and development of the neurons.
Once the tubes were ready for the experimental stage, they were implanted into the
damaged spinal cords of rats. After a period of only six months, Vescovi et al. (2011) found that
the necessary neurons had regrown through the majority of the implanted tubes. Along with the
newly formed neuronal cells, new blood vessels had grown as well.
Physical tests showed that the rats had, also in six months, recovered a degree of mobility
in their hind legs. Although a great deal of progress was made during that short period, chemical
markers indicated that tissue repair was still in progress. The breakthrough this research provided
was demonstrated in the striking result of proper alignment of axonal growth (Coghlan, 2011,
para. 7).
TREATMENTS 13
Previous attempts to build biological scaffolding had only managed to support axonal
growth going into the tube. This was, however, the first successful instance of neurons thriving
after having passed all the way through the tube. During the time of research, the recent
measurement had been approximately one centimeter, although special dye tracers were
subsequently required in order to set the newly grown nerve fibers apart from the native ones. In
other words, since neuron fibers do not have arrows on them indicating the direction of their
growth, future research would be required to compare the ratio of the spinal circuits growing in
and those growing out of each end of the tube.
Upon examination of this article, like others detailed in this literature review, an
annoyance resurfaced: that being occasional ambiguity. Those instances include the use of the
word “damaged” when describing the rats’ spinal cords without clarifying what type of damage
and its severity. Nerve fibers had regrown through “many” of the scaffoldings, however, no
percentage from total tubes implanting was offered. The experimental group of rats had
recovered “some” mobility in their hind quarters, yet their definition of “some” is absent from
the article as is the number or percentage of rats who did recover mobility. Were some rats in the
experimental group unable to regain mobility? This question is left unanswered.
The article concludes in the style of serial cliffhanger. The ambiguity of whether or not
the nerve fibers protruding from the other end of the tube were growing in or out was met with
the assurance that a subsequent experiment was forthcoming. However, no brainstorm is offered
in terms of how the researchers would go about solving the mystery, other than with the use of
tracing dye. It is almost as though so much time and care was put in to the research,
experimentation, and reporting of the finding, only for the article to truncated in mid-thought.
TREATMENTS 14
An examination of the ethical issues surrounding this research would give rise to the
safety of human participants. While it was never argued that the scaffolding used was safe in the
bodies of rats, how closely would that translate into the safety for people? How long would the
tubes need to be in humans for there to be a high success rate? Would this treatment, if approved
for use in people, be a “one and done deal”, or would people require a more longitudinal
treatment? Could there be any adverse side effects once the tubes dissolve and are mixed with
the biochemistry of humans? The success rate of the treated rats were reportedly (or allegedly)
high, however, there remains the issue of quadrupedal recovery versus bipedal recovery. The
treated rats showed such progress during the six month period. However, how does that compare
to a person whose two legs need to withstand more pressure of weight than rats whose weights
are proportionately distributed along down their bodies?
In summation, the treatment administered showed tremendous potential and promise, all
that seemed to be missing was how this method could be translated across species.
TREATMENTS 15
Hope through the light.
It is rudimentary biology that any creature possessing a central nervous system requires a
combination of chemistry and electricity in order to achieve movement. In humans, the degree of
bioelectricity produced results in the speed, force, and reflexive movement of limbs and organs.
Up until recently, it was thought that only electricity could accurately produce or reproduce the
fluidity needed to achieve mobility. Deisseroth et al. (2010) of Stanford University in California
tested anaesthetized mice with light stimulating the sciatic nerve to artificially manipulate the
Achilles tendon. The field is called optogenetics.
Light activated proteins from photosynthetic algae are removed and attached to nerve
cells in the peripheral nervous system (or PNS). The proteins are allowed to bind through an
added genetic adhesive protein called Channelrhodopsin (or ChR2).
Despite the relatively short time line required for the experimentation, the results were
rather astounding. The simple action of creating a sequence of light impulses allowed the mice to
move with more fluidity than one would normally consider. By using only electricity from an
external source, larger signals were caused before smaller ones. This would result in a person
displaying jerky and robotic movements which would also be quick to exhaust him.
Optogenetics, on the other hand, is a hear perfect recreation of the natural bioelectrical firing
order, which could potentially allow a person to move as naturally as though no treatment was
ever administered. Not only could this possibly help people recovering from spinal cord injury,
but also those afflicted with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions with affect
gross and fine motor coordination, and voluntary movement (Marchant, 2010, para. 6).
TREATMENTS 16
Of the articles included in the literature review, this is one that shows a higher amount of
promise. Mainly for the relatively noninvasive technique, short time frame necessary, and high
success rate. That does, though, come with the price of relative drawbacks. The article does not
mention how many mice were tested. The use of the word “mice” obviously indicates more than
one, but beyond that, the number of mice is anyone’s guess.
The light was emitted through a cuff lined with diodes. It was described as running all the
way down the back. This does pose another issue for people. How intrusive would this device be
for someone on a daily basis? Could it be possible to flatten the cuff so that it remains
undetectable under the back of a shirt? What about a power source? Could the individual be able
to switch batteries with enough power remaining during the time it takes to make the switch?
What about even being able to reach it fast enough?
This article displays a large amount of optimism, albeit with a multitude of ambiguous
statements concerning its practicality and use in people, e.g. “…this could one day help
people…” (Marchant, para. 1), “Light pulses might restore…” (para. 2), “…the hope of this
is…” (para. 2).
Returning to the issue of the myriad of the false dawns of discovery, it is an unfortunate
fact of life that we must all be prepared for an equal chance of a negative outcome along with a
positive. Optimism must be met with realism. Although the promise of what this discovery could
mean for humanity is truly admirable, words denoting uncertainty, e.g. might, maybe, could,
perhaps, probably, etc., do not deserve as much space or utterance in a research than was
afforded in this article.
TREATMENTS 17
Solidifying broken spinal cords by breaking solid barriers.
New pathways in the treatment of spinal cord injury were able to be seen only once
scientists were able to ignore the previous philosophy that it was biologically and physically
impossible for brain and spinal neurons to regrow, reconnect, and be rebuilt.
Now it is just as commonplace to consider human nerve tissue fundamentally repairable.
Along with a newly discovered humility in the awe of the resiliency of the human body, modern
technology is enabling scientists to see closer up into the gaps that paralysis creates. Axonal
“fingers” are trying to reach farther across the gaps. One major preventative force (or inhibitory
factor) is, as previously discussed, is Nogo-A. Despite its antagonistic connotation within this
literature review, Nogo-A does serve a necessary biological purpose: by acting as a “molecular
brake system” (Kraft, para. 7), our extremely intricate central and peripheral nervous systems are
stabilized.
Schwab et al. (1995) of the University of Zurich surgically implanted pumps that would,
over time, dispense antibodies of Nogo-A in the general region of spinal cord injury sites in lab
rats. Microscopic imaging allowed them to see that spindle-like nerve tissue was, in fact,
growing in the gap. Subsequent behavioural examinations showed that rats in both the control
and experimental groups were nearly indistinguishable in terms of gross mobility.
Independent research conducted in 2000 discovered the human gene responsible for the
production of Nogo-A. Through the use of cloning, a biological antibody was able to be
produced. The major pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline was quick to notice and took
part in progressive testing. In 2001, Novartis secured the rights to Schwab’s antibody
formulation (Kraft, para. 9).
TREATMENTS 18
Although it seemed for a time that disabling Nogo-A was the only way to allow the spinal
cord to heal, other scientists have tried alternatives. One way was to temporarily block its
receptor sites. Artificial peptide molecules, injected by catheter, were docked into the receptor
sites of rats, and within only four weeks, rats were able to move significantly better than those
who the same treatment but without the peptides (Strittmetter, S., 2001).
Along with the evolutionary brake system, the body’s natural immune system also serves
as a hindrance in the spinal cord’s reparation process. Fluid buildup from inflammation cuts off
the necessary blood supply, thus crushing most nerves and killing the survivors through
immunity messenger molecules. The resulting scar tissue that surrounds the site of injury builds
a dense, impenetrable barrier that neurite genesis cannot compete with.
Elizabeth Bradbury (2005) in London developed chondroitinase ABC, or what was
referred to as a “molecular machete”, (Kraft, para. 15), which removed the sugars from the scar
tissue’s from its proteoglycans, thus dissolving them. After two weeks of treatment involving
rats with injured spinal cords, the mobility was fairly similar to the rats that were never injured.
Back in 1985, Geoffrey Raisman discovered that olfactory neurons regenerate
spontaneously. This explains why we were able to retain the sense of smell even after nasally
inhaling a noxious odour, strong solvent, or even when we have a cold. His discovery was that
olfactory neurons were surrounded by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). By transplanting these
cells onto injured spinal cord cells, he observed that the OECs formed organized patterns that
served as a bridge between the two severed ends. Over time, a layer of insulating myelin sheaths
formed around these young neurons, and the rats were able to walk and move as normally as
before.
TREATMENTS 19
Pastoral Integration #2
The concept of a person becoming part robotic, or a cyborg, does sound exciting like a
fun adventure story. However, the reality of it would be more than somewhat different. If a
person now has to define his body now in terms of part machine, it is likely that he would then
feel obligated to forfeit a part of his soul or humanity. The merging of the artificial with the
biological may lead one to, for example, question the nature of his own existence if it needs to be
considered now in terms of metal, wires, and kilowatts.
A pastoral counselor may aid someone, let’s say a Buddhist, along the path of realization
that although his body may be radically different than how he thought it was intended, electricity
is still part of the world. It represents the energy which provided his impetus before the
cybernetic implant. Meditation also has little to do with the body. Quite the contrary, once the
mind can be free from physical obstacles could enlightenment be reached.
TREATMENTS 20
Stimulating growth.
Since it is, for now at least, accepted that electrical stimulation of the muscles themselves
would result in sloppy, jerky movements, scientists then went on to have electricity stimulate the
growth of the neurons themselves rather than the muscles they would connect to. This form of
pseudo-“electroshock therapy” served a dual purpose of also preventing atrophy in the muscles
from chronic periods of inactivity.
A 2006 trial known as the flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) applies necessary
pressure to the nerve in order to evenly distribute the electrical stimulation. The pressure also
molds the nerve into a shape and position that allows for easier neurite growth. The pulses of
electricity administered through the FINE were almost too fast for a person to notice, (250
milliseconds, approximately half the time needed to blink).
Experiments in 2006 led by Case Western included seven human participants who had
been undergoing thigh surgery. The results held that although the electricity was not enough to
cause the legs to bend and move independently, the muscles flexed to the point of significance in
the experiment. As a result, FINE would likely be used primarily in paraplegics.
Upon the relative success of the research, there then arose the issue of biofeedback and
proprioception. After all, the ability to experience tactile sensation was one of life’s primary
evolutionary traits as it alerts us to potential tissue damage. It is not unreasonable for one to
consider that the sense of touch was the first sense to develop and evolve.
There is also the biofeedback matter that a patient cannot judge or determine the efficacy
of the entire therapy unless he or she is able to regain sensation as well as voluntary movement.
TREATMENTS 21
Andy Hoffer (2006) of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, designed
NeuroStep (Neurostream Technologies of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures). It is a device which,
when worn as a cuff around the ankle with four electrodes inplanted, interprets human sensation
signals and transmits it to the patient’s brain in a form the brain can understand and perceive as a
bodily sensation. This form of cybernetics is, unfortunately, relatively obstinate.
Greg Clark (2010) developed what he dubbed the “Utah slanted array”, which contains
approximately 100 wires so small and compacted, they can fit comfortably inside an actual
nerve, “getting up close and personal with the nerve fibers themselves” (Campbell, 2010, para.
12). The Utah slanted array remains the most precise in any electrical-limb-activating devices. It
has shown significant results in cats who regained gross motor coordination, and in monkeys
who were able to perform fine motor tasks with their fingers.
A relative drawback to this invention lies in the numbers…human nerves contains tens of
thousands of axons, and each has the capability of being controlled by the brain itself. It is a
simple matter of a marionette with a million strings, but so far only being able to tug at a few.
TREATMENTS 22
Pastoral integration #3
Not all forms of integration need to involve how to directly treat clients with specific
religions and specific conditions.
Concerning the growing prevalence of cyber therapies, it would be relevant for a pastoral
counselor to be aware of the location of the facilities in case he knows someone or knows of
someone who he feels would greatly benefit from the treatment, or a combination of treatments.
Quadriplegics, in some cases, may benefit from simultaneous treatment of electrodes in the
lower extremities, and computer controlled equipment for the upper extremities.
Pastoral counselors are at the mercy of, among many things, the issues of the world, and
how do translate beliefs into supportive realities for many. Even if an issue does not relate to
spirituality directly, there are therapeutic techniques that could benefit from spiritual awareness.
And as the issues of the world change, so must our ways of translating the lessons, and the
awareness of God to help bring us closer to the awareness of our placement in the universe.
TREATMENTS 23
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