Medical Advances
& New Treatments

Medical Advances for Injury Victims

This page is dedicated to sharing information about new developments in medicine that have the potential to improve the life or condition of serious injury victims in Hawaii. These resources are provided by a non-medical person for informational purposes only. No medical recommendation is made or implied. Please consult with a qualified physician about any medical treatment or therapy.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Emerging Treatments

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy — breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber — has shown promise in some studies as a treatment for TBI, particularly for veterans with blast-induced brain injuries. Research is ongoing, and some TBI patients have reported significant cognitive improvements.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is an FDA-cleared non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown benefits for depression following TBI. Ongoing research is exploring its potential for broader cognitive rehabilitation applications.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback therapy — a form of biofeedback using real-time EEG monitoring — has shown promise in helping TBI patients improve attention, memory, and mood regulation.

Spinal Cord Injuries — Advances

Epidural Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has enabled some people with complete paralysis to take steps with assistance. While not a cure, results have been remarkable, and research programs at several major medical centers are expanding.

Stem Cell Research

Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the use of stem cells to promote spinal cord repair and recovery of function. Results are preliminary but show significant promise for the future of SCI treatment.

Robotic Exoskeleton Therapy

FDA-cleared robotic exoskeleton devices allow some spinal cord injury patients to stand and walk with assistance, supporting rehabilitation and potentially improving long-term outcomes.

Burn Injuries — Advances

Spray-On Skin / Cell Spray Technology

New technologies are under development that may allow burn unit physicians to collect and spray a patient's own skin cells directly onto serious burn wounds, dramatically reducing healing time and improving cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional skin grafting.

Advanced Wound Dressings

New generations of antimicrobial and bioactive wound dressings are significantly improving infection control and healing times for serious burns.

Pain Management Advances

For chronic pain following serious injury, new approaches including spinal cord stimulation, targeted drug delivery, and advanced physical rehabilitation techniques are providing relief for patients who have not responded to traditional treatment.