Work

Remodeling Brain Activity by Repetitive Cervicothoracic Transspinal Stimulation after Human Spinal Cord Injury

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Interventions that can produce targeted brain plasticity after human spinal cord injury are needed for restoration of impaired movement in these patients. In this study, we tested the effects of repetitive cervicothoracic transspinal stimulation in one person with cervical motor incomplete spinal cord injury on cortical and corticospinal excitability, which was assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation with paired- and single-pulses, respectively. We found that repetitive cervicothoracic transspinal stimulation potentiated intracortical facilitation in flexor and extensor wrist muscles, recovered intracortical inhibition in the more impaired wrist flexor muscle, increased corticospinal excitability bilaterally, and improved voluntary muscle strength. These effects may have been mediated by improvements in cortical integration of ascending sensory inputs and strengthening of corticospinal connections. Our novel therapeutic intervention opens new avenues for targeted brain neuromodulation protocols in individuals with cervical motor incomplete spinal cord injury.

Source: Frontiers in Neurology

DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00050

Authors: Lynda M. Murray, Maria Knikou

Institutions: The Graduate Center, CUNY, College of Staten Island, City University of New York

Language: English

Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801