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.