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Calderone A, Cardile D, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Corallo F, Calabrò RS. Cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury: a scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1369714. [PMID: 38572000 PMCID: PMC10987747 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1369714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition where the spinal cord is damaged and experiences partial or complete loss of motor and/or sensory function, which is typically less than normal. After SCI, patients may exhibit more severe psychiatric symptoms and experience cognitive impairments, including reduced speed and attention processing capacity, as well as difficulties with executive function and episodic memory retention. Among the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are the most common. This review aims to investigate the cognitive, behavioral, or psychiatric symptoms of the patient with SCI and their influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Studies published between 2013-2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF (n) 3KB2U. We have found that patients with SCI are at high risk of cognitive impairment and experience a wide range of difficulties, including tasks based on processing speed and executive function. This clinical population may experience adjustment disorders with depression and anxiety, as well as other psychiatric symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and suicidal ideation. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairments that affect their functioning. At the same time, these patients may be more prone to various adjustment and mood disorders. Moreover, these two aspects may interact with each other, causing a range of symptoms, increasing the risk of hospitalization, and delaying the rehabilitation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calderone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Chen DY, Di X, Amaya N, Sun H, Pal S, Biswal BB. Brain activation during the N-back working memory task in individuals with spinal cord injury: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579655. [PMID: 38405769 PMCID: PMC10888902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments have frequently been reported in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) across different domains such as working memory, attention, and executive function. The mechanism of cognitive impairment after SCI is not well understood due to the heterogeneity of SCI sample populations, and may possibly be due to factors such as cardiovascular dysfunction, concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypoxia, sleep disorders, and body temperature dysregulation. In this study, we implement the Neuropsychiatric Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG) to assess cognitive differences between individuals with SCI and age-matched able-bodied (AB) controls. We then use an N-back working memory task and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to elucidate the neurovascular correlates of cognitive function in individuals with SCI. We observed significant differences between the SCI and AB groups on measures of executive function on the NUCOG test. On the N-back task, across the three levels of difficulty: 0-back, 2-back, and 3-back, no significant differences were observed between the SCI and AB group; however, both groups performed worse as the level of difficulty increased. Although there were no significant differences in N-back performance scores between the two groups, functional brain hemodynamic activity differences were observed between the SCI and AB groups, with the SCI group exhibiting higher maximum oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the right inferior parietal lobe. These findings support the use of fNIRS to study cognitive function in individuals with SCI and may provide a useful tool during rehabilitation to obtain quantitative functional brain activity metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Y. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Nayyar Amaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Hai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, US
| | - Saikat Pal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, US
| | - Bharat B. Biswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
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Maggio MG, Bonanno M, Manuli A, Calabrò RS. Improving Outcomes in People with Spinal Cord Injury: Encouraging Results from a Multidisciplinary Advanced Rehabilitation Pathway. Brain Sci 2024; 14:140. [PMID: 38391715 PMCID: PMC10886543 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) consists of damage to any segment of the spinal cord extending to potential harm to nerves in the cauda equina. Rehabilitative efforts for SCI can involve conventional physiotherapy, innovative technologies, as well as cognitive treatment and psychological support. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a dedicated, multidisciplinary, and integrated intervention path for SCI, encompassing both conventional and technological interventions, while observing their impact on cognitive, motor, and behavioral outcomes and the overall quality of life for individuals with SCI. Forty-two patients with SCI were included in the analysis utilizing electronic recovery system data. The treatment regimen included multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches, such as traditional physiotherapy sessions, speech therapy, psychological support, robotic devices, advanced cognitive rehabilitation, and other interventions. Pre-post comparisons showed a significant improvement in lower limb function (Fugl Meyer Assessment-FMA < 0.001), global cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-MoCA p < 0.001), and perceived quality of life at both a physical and mental level (Short Form-12-SF-12 p < 0.001). Furthermore, we found a significant reduction in depressive state (Beck Depression Inventory-BDI p < 0.001). In addition, we assessed patient satisfaction using the Short Form of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), offering insights into the subjective evaluation of the intervention. In conclusion, this retrospective study provides positive results in terms of improvements in motor function, cognitive functions, and quality of life, highlighting the importance of exploring multidisciplinary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Maggio
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Cda Casazza, SS 113, 98123 Messina, Italy
| | - Mirjam Bonanno
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Cda Casazza, SS 113, 98123 Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Manuli
- A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Moro V, Beccherle M, Scandola M, Aglioti SM. Massive body-brain disconnection consequent to spinal cord injuries drives profound changes in higher-order cognitive and emotional functions: A PRISMA scoping review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105395. [PMID: 37734697 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a massive disconnection between the brain and the body parts below the lesion level representing a unique opportunity to explore how the body influences a person's mental life. We performed a systematic scoping review of 59 studies on higher-order cognitive and emotional changes after SCI. The results suggest that fluid abilities (e.g. attention, executive functions) and emotional regulation (e.g. emotional reactivity and discrimination) are impaired in people with SCI, with progressive deterioration over time. Although not systematically explored, the factors that are directly (e.g. the severity and level of the lesion) and indirectly associated (e.g. blood pressure, sleeping disorders, medication) with the damage may play a role in these deficits. The inconsistency which was found in the results may derive from the various methods used and the heterogeneity of samples (i.e. the lesion completeness, the time interval since lesion onset). Future studies which are specifically controlled for methods, clinical and socio-cultural dimensions are needed to better understand the role of the body in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Moro
- NPSY.Lab-VR, Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria, 17, 37129 Verona, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Beccherle
- NPSY.Lab-VR, Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria, 17, 37129 Verona, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and cln2s@sapienza Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy.
| | - Michele Scandola
- NPSY.Lab-VR, Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria, 17, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and cln2s@sapienza Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Pasipanodya E, Khong CM, Dirlikov B, Prutton M, Held M, Shem K. Telepsychology for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Control Study of Video-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2022; 28:56-67. [PMID: 36457360 PMCID: PMC9678220 DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background A substantial proportion of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience depression, which has been negatively associated with recovery and community participation after injury. Despite significant barriers to seeking and receiving in-person mental health care, little research has focused on the efficacy of telepsychology among individuals with SCI. Objectives To describe the design and implementation of an ongoing single-center, randomized controlled, video-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention among individuals with SCI. Methods Participants within 1 year of SCI will be randomized 1:1 to intervention or usual care in a 24-week study. Intervention participants will engage in 10 sessions of CBT over 12 weeks with a licensed clinical psychologist, using iPads via Apple FaceTime. Primary outcomes are depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and life satisfaction (as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Satisfaction with Life Scale, respectively) measured at three time points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). These and other measures are also assessed during monthly telephone surveys conducted between primary timepoints. Results Recruitment is ongoing. Forty-six participants have been enrolled thus far. Conclusion Telepsychology is a convenient, flexible, and effective alternative to traditional in-person services. We anticipate that intervention participants will experience improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms and will have greater life satisfaction. Telepsychology interventions among individuals with SCI are tasked to maintain participant privacy, provide assistive technology and/or engage caregivers to minimize mobility limitations, and manage risk remotely. Challenges encountered include recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early intervention on symptoms of psychological morbidity using telepsychology may facilitate greater adaptation following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Pasipanodya
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Cria-May Khong
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Benjamin Dirlikov
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Michael Prutton
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Mark Held
- Department of Psychiatry, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Kazuko Shem
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
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Goraczko A, Zurek A, Lachowicz M, Kujawa K, Zurek G. The Relationship between Cognitive Performance and Quality of Life in Elite Athletes after Spinal Cord Injury. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020948. [PMID: 35055769 PMCID: PMC8775381 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present investigation was designed to determine cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL) in a group of elite athletes who sustained spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS nine participants suffering a SCI participated in the study. Different cognitive functions were evaluated through the following tests: COWAT, Digit Span, Stroop color-word and QoL through the WHOQoL-BREF scale. RESULTS Generally, participants positively assessed their overall quality of life and health status. Although the tests conducted indicate reduced cognitive function among the athletes, it did not affect the reduction in QoL. Single correlations between the results of cognitive tests and QoL could be treated as coincidental. CONCLUSIONS Despite the observed decline in selected cognitive functions, the participants positively assessed their quality of life and physical health.Reduced cognitive functioning could be influenced by the impact of sleep-disordered breathing, pain, depressive disorders and medication. This indicates the need for an individualized approach to define the patient's deficits, needs and best care. Further studies with a larger group of participants are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Goraczko
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (M.L.); (K.K.)
- Clinic of Neurorehabilitation, 54-519 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alina Zurek
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Maciej Lachowicz
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (M.L.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kujawa
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (M.L.); (K.K.)
- Clinic of Neurorehabilitation, 54-519 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zurek
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (M.L.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-600-081-799
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Sun S, Sun S, Meng Y, Shi B, Chen Y. Elevated Serum Neuropeptide FF Levels Are Associated with Cognitive Decline in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:4549049. [PMID: 34804262 PMCID: PMC8601828 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4549049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) has high incidence globally and is frequently accompanied by subsequent cognitive decline. Accurate early risk-categorization of SCI patients for cognitive decline using biomarkers can enable the timely application of appropriate neuroprotective measures and the development of new agents for the management of SCI-associated cognitive decline. Neuropeptide FF is an endogenous neuropeptide with a multitude of functions and is associated with neuroinflammatory processes. This prospective study investigated the predictive value of serum neuropeptide FF levels measured after acute SCI for subsequent cognitive decline. METHODS 88 patients presenting with acute SCI without preexisting neurological injury, brain trauma, or severe systemic illness and 60 healthy controls were recruited. Serum neuropeptide FF levels, clinical, and routine laboratory variables including low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels collected from all subjects were assessed. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was performed 3 months after enrollment. SCI patients were grouped according to quartile of serum neuropeptide FF level and MoCA scores were compared using ANOVA. Additionally, multivariate linear regression with clinical and laboratory variables was performed to predict MoCA scores. RESULTS SCI patients displayed significantly higher baseline serum neuropeptide FF levels than healthy controls (38.5 ± 4.1 versus 23.4 ± 2.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001∗∗). SCI patients in higher quartiles of baseline serum neuropeptide FF displayed significantly lower MoCA scores at 3 months. Linear regression analysis indicated serum neuropeptide FF levels as a significant independent predictor of worse MoCA scores after SCI (r = 0.331, p = 0.034∗). CONCLUSION Early serum neuropeptide FF levels significantly and independently predicted cognitive decline after acute SCI among patients without preexisting neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifei Sun
- Bone Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Shilong Sun
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Bone Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Bone Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yuanzhen Chen
- Bone Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250062, China
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Harper AE, Krause JS, Terhorst L, Leland NE. Differences in functional improvement based on history of substance abuse and pain severity following spinal cord injury. Subst Abus 2021; 43:267-272. [PMID: 34214402 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1941507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study explored the relationship between history of substance abuse and pain severity during inpatient rehabilitation following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study. An adjusted general linear model was used to examine differences in functional improvement based on history of substance abuse and pain severity. Results: Over 50% of the sample had a history of substance abuse, and 94% reported moderate or severe pain. There was a significant interaction between the history of substance abuse and pain severity (p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.012). A difference in functional improvement was found among individuals who reported low pain; those with a history of substance abuse achieved less functional improvement than those without a history of substance abuse, M = 5.32, SE = 1.95, 95% CI 0.64-10.01. Conclusions: A history of substance abuse and post-injury pain are prevalent among individuals with SCI in rehabilitation, and there may be a meaningful relationship between these two patient characteristics and functional improvement. The results provide potential new insights into the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations during SCI rehabilitation. Furthering our understanding of these results warrants future investigation to prevent and minimize poor outcomes among vulnerable SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Harper
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James S Krause
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Terhorst
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalie E Leland
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Don't Forget About the Sleep Disorders: Letter to the Editor Responding to Cognitive Profiles Among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:1860-1861. [PMID: 34019884 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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