Strategies for Regeneration and Repair in the Injured Central Nervous System

In this chapter we review the consequences of traumatic injury to the brain and spinal cord and the regenerative strategies that are being pursued to overcome the tissue degeneration that ensues. The chapter begins with a discussion of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of traumatic injury and is followed by a discussion of the challenges associated with promoting regeneration and limiting degeneration. Strategies for treatment are described including drug delivery, cell-based, and tissue engineering approaches aimed at achieving functional recovery after traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injury. The chapter concludes with an outlook on research dedicated to future treatment strategies.