Central nervous system regeneration does not occur

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. Spinal Cord (2012) 50, 259-263; doi:10.1038/sc.2011.132; published online 22 November 2011