Besides stroke, he says, drugs aimed at the new targets could prove useful for treating spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, even epilepsy--because the same toxic cascade that occurs after a stroke also happens after many other types of brain damage.

FORBES: Repairing The Brain

While the Center is distinguished for its work in stroke rehabilitation, it also helps victims of spinal cord, brain, traumatic brain and orthopedic injuries, as well as cancer.

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Designed for stroke patients and those suffering from brain or spinal cord injuries, these so-called medical micropower networks (MMN) use a set of implanted electrodes and a wearable wireless controller to stimulate the muscles of a paralyzed user.

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Speaking to BBC News online, Prof Buchan said the focus of this research was on "ways to keep brain cells alive" which could have impacts beyond stroke - such as in Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injuries.

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Besides stroke, Dr. Suzdak says, drugs aimed at the new targets could prove useful for treating spinal cord injuries, Lou Gehrig's disease or even epilepsy--because the same toxic cascade that occurs after a stroke also happens after many other types of brain damage.

FORBES: Repairing The Brain