Central nervous system regeneration does not occur

Abstract

Study design: Review.

Objectives: To examine the state of research in central nervous system (CNS) regeneration and to suggest an alternative to the sterile research at the lesion site.

Setting: Worldwide.

Methods: A search of publications using 'PubMed' and a search of the historical literature relevant to CNS regeneration, biological models, the neurone theory, collateral sprouting, spinal shock and the central pattern generator.

Results: There is no evidence for CNS regeneration.

Conclusion: A century of research focussed on the lesion site has been unproductive. An alternative field of research must be developed and the best candidate is the undamaged CNS.