Neurorestoratology

With rapid development of basic and clinical advancement on neural restoration, neurorestoratology has become a distinct discipline within neurosciences. Neurorestoratology is the sub-discipline of neuroscience that studies neural regeneration, repair and replacement of damaged components of the nervous system, neuroplasticity,  neuroprotection and neuromodulation, vasculogenesis and recovery mechanisms of immune regulation. The goal of neurorestoratology is to promote recovery of neural function. According to research object, it divides into peripheral neurorestoratology and central neurorestoratology; according to research field, it divides into basic neurorestoratology and clinical neurorestoratology.

Scope: The research and scope of neurorestoratology cover causes and treatments of neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular anoxia or ischemia, edema, demyelination, sensory and motor disorders, and neuropathic pain, as well as neural damage resulting from toxic, physical and chemical factors, immune, infectious, inflammatory, hereditary, congenital, developmental, and other causes of neural injury. 

Methods: Neurorestorative therapies including regeneration and functional reconstruction of nervous tissues by transplantation of tissue, cells, or biomaterials and bioengineering, neuromodulation by electro-magnetic stimulation, pharmaceutical or chemical therapies, and combinations of the above.

Status: Neurorestoratology recognizes the importance of small functional gains that have significant effects on quality of life. Neurorestoratology is interested in the mechanisms of spontaneous activity and enhancing this recovery. Structural and functional restoration in central nerves to a certain extent has been achieved; however, at present the degree of neurological functional restoration is very limited and far below the patient's expectation.

Strategies: Neurorestoratology supports the highest standards for clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its neurorestorative therapies, the establishment of validated outcome measures, and ethical treatment of patients. Translational medicine is the most distinctive feature and combined therapy shows a broad application prospects.

Guidelines: Functional recovery is the objective of neurorestoratology, requiring close integration of neurorestorative and neurorehabilitative therapies, as well as the practice of clinical and preventative medicine to minimize complications of neural degeneration and damage.

Neurorestoratology was born in the era of sci-tech innovation, and it develops with cross merging and challenges. In order to make it develop rapidly,as one of the important international academic organizations in this field--International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) has been endowed the unavoidable social responsibility, and must shoulder and fulfill the era mission. All the members in this field should try their best to actively spread the concept of neurorestoratology, brave to explore the new strategies, constantly improve the intervention level, and thus satisfy the patients' expectations.

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