In the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries, today there are great risks and their effect is therefore limited. But a new treatment may change that in the future.  

In a study published in the journal Cell, a group of international researchers have found a way to greatly reduce the swelling that occurs in the cells following a damage to the brain or spinal cord.  

Drugs for schizophrenia were effective 

The research group, which includes Lund University among others, tested a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. In studies in rats, the drug was found to stop the inflow of water that causes the cell to swell.  

-The surgery done today only deals with the effect of the damage, ie the pressure in the brain. With this type of treatment we can instead go to the root with the help of a drug treatment and do not have to operate, says Susanna Törnroth-Horsefield, chemistry professor at Lund University.  

The cells swell 

In the event of brain and spinal cord injury, the cells swell up and begin to push against sensitive tissue in the brain and spine. The swelling can occur quickly and the pressure prevents electrical signals from traveling between the brain and the body. The injuries are usually life-threatening and can lead to paralysis.  

With the help of the drug Trifluoperazine, TFP, one could counteract the natural reaction of the cells. This means that the drug prevents water channels from entering water into the cell.  

A small dose is required 

TFP is a drug that is already approved in the United States and the United Kingdom. There are side effects associated with longer use of the drug but in this case only one dose is required to have a long lasting effect, the researchers believe.  

The study was published in the journal Cell and can be read here.