Response to the report, “A re-assessment of treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (imatinib) on tissue sparing and functional recovery after spinal cord injury” by Sharp et al.

• Imatinib improves bladder and hind limb function after spinal cord injury.
• To detect recovery of hind limb weight support, control BBBs should be < 9.
• To detect contact plantar placement effects, control scores should be < 5.
• Drug effects on limb function should be backed by detailed histological analysis.
• Imatinib effects remain when started 4 (limbs) or 24 h (bladder) after injury.