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June 22, 2006
Dr. Richard Borgens, Director, Center for Paralysis Research. and Mari Hulman George Professor of Applied Neurology. Purdue University, 6/21/06
Dr. Richard Borgens is the Mari Hulman George Professor of Applied Neurology in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. He is the founder of Purdue's Center for Paralysis Research, which was established in 1987 both to develop and test promising methods of treatment for spinal cord injuries.
Most notably, Dr. Borgens developed the oscillating field stimulator, a small, battery-powered device that stimulates nerve regeneration. Early testing with spinal injured patients has produced increased sensory perception and potential use of their extremities.
Dr. Borgens is internationally known for his research on animal regeneration and spinal cord injuries. He holds several patents in the field, including one for a method of reducing chronic pain and spasticity in patients with spinal cord issues.
Prior to accepting a faculty position at Purdue, Dr. Borgens was a National Paraplegia Foundation Fellow. His early work with electrical fields drew national acclaim for his lab. Building and expanding on this work brought different approaches to treating paralysis, including PEG, or polyethylene glycol, which has the ability to break the chain reaction of spinal cord damage if it is applied quickly enough.
Posted by David Lemberg at June 22, 2006 09:23 AM Return to SCIENCE AND SOCIETY home page