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Kang K, Fleming K, Sathe A, Muller J, Harrop J, Middleton D, Heller J, Sharan A, Mohamed F, Krisa L, Alizadeh M. Microstructural alterations of major thalamic nuclei in the chronic pediatric spinal cord injured population. World Neurosurg X 2024; 21:100268. [PMID: 38187507 PMCID: PMC10767188 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2023.100268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The brain undergoes reorganization following spinal cord injury (SCI), but little is known about how the thalamus is affected in pediatric SCIs. Purpose To characterize microstructural alterations in the thalamus after SCI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics. Methods 18 pediatric participants with chronic SCI (8-20 years) were stratified using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) into groups: A, B, and C/D. DTI of the brain used a 3 T Siemens Verio MRI using the parameters: 20 directions, number of averages = 3, b = 1000 s/mm2, voxel size = 1.8 mm × 1.8 mm, slice thickness = 5 mm, TE = 95 ms, TR = 4300 ms, 30 slices, FOV = 230 × 230 mm2, matrix = 128 × 128, acquisition time = 4:45 min. Diffusion data was processed to generate DTI metrics FA, MD, AD, and RD. Data analysis DTI metrics were acquired by superimposing the AAL3 thalamic atlas onto participant diffusion images registered to MNI152 space. We utilized a multiple Mann-Whitney U-test to compare between AIS groups, considering values of p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results FA, AD, RD, and MD significantly differed in thalamic nuclei between AIS groups A vs B and B vs C/D. Significant nuclei include the right ventral anterior, left intralaminar, bilateral lateral pulvinar, and right lateral geniculate. Conclusion Our findings suggest the presence of microstructural alterations based on SCI severity in pediatric patients. These results are encouraging and warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Kang
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - K. Fleming
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - A. Sathe
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - J. Muller
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - J. Harrop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - D. Middleton
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - J.E. Heller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - A. Sharan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - F. Mohamed
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - L. Krisa
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - M. Alizadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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Haro S, Gomez-Lahoz AM, Monserrat J, Atienza-Pérez M, Fraile-Martinez O, Ortega MA, García-Montero C, Díaz D, Lopez-Dolado E, Álvarez-Mon M. Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Display a Progressive Alteration over the Years of the Activation Stages of the T Lymphocyte Compartment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17596. [PMID: 38139422 PMCID: PMC10744286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious medical condition associated with severe morbidities and disability. Chronic SCI patients present an enhanced susceptibility to infections and comorbidities with inflammatory pathogenesis. Chronic SCI appears to be associated with a systemic dysfunction of the immune system. We investigated the alteration of the pivotal CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic SCI at different years of evolution. A clinically homogenous population of 105 patients with chronic SCI (31 with time of evolution less than 5 years (SCI SP); 32 early chronic (SCI ECP) with time of evolution between 5 and 15 years; and 42 late chronic (SCI LCP) with time of evolution more than 15 years) and 38 healthy controls were enrolled. SCI ECP and SCI LCP patients showed significant CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphopenia, ascribed to a reduction in naïve and CM subsets. Furthermore, SCI ECP and SCI LCP patients showed a significant reduction in the expression of CD28 on CD8+ T lymphocytes. The expression of CCR6 by CD4+ T lymphocytes was decreased during the evolution of chronic SCI, but on CD8+ T lymphocytes, it was observed during the first 15 years of evolution. In conclusion, the chronic SCI course with severe damage to T lymphocytes mainly worsens over the years of disease evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Haro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Atienza-Pérez
- Service of Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Paraplegic Patients, Carr. de la Peraleda, S/N, 45004 Toledo, Spain;
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Lopez-Dolado
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Service of Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Paraplegic Patients, Carr. de la Peraleda, S/N, 45004 Toledo, Spain;
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Crta N-II km 33.6, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (S.H.); (A.M.G.-L.); (J.M.); (O.F.-M.); (M.A.O.); (C.G.-M.); (D.D.); (E.L.-D.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service and Internal Medicine, Prince of Asturias University Hospital (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Haro S, Álvarez-Mon MÁ, De Leon-Oliva D, Gomez-Lahoz AM, Monserrat J, Atienza-Pérez M, Díaz D, Lopez-Dolado E, Álvarez-Mon M. A comprehensive look at the psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology of spinal cord injury and its progression: mechanisms and clinical opportunities. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:26. [PMID: 37291666 PMCID: PMC10251601 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and disabling medical condition generally caused by a traumatic event (primary injury). This initial trauma is accompanied by a set of biological mechanisms directed to ameliorate neural damage but also exacerbate initial damage (secondary injury). The alterations that occur in the spinal cord have not only local but also systemic consequences and virtually all organs and tissues of the body incur important changes after SCI, explaining the progression and detrimental consequences related to this condition. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) is a growing area of research aiming to integrate and explore the interactions among the different systems that compose the human organism, considering the mind and the body as a whole. The initial traumatic event and the consequent neurological disruption trigger immune, endocrine, and multisystem dysfunction, which in turn affect the patient's psyche and well-being. In the present review, we will explore the most important local and systemic consequences of SCI from a PNIE perspective, defining the changes occurring in each system and how all these mechanisms are interconnected. Finally, potential clinical approaches derived from this knowledge will also be collectively presented with the aim to develop integrative therapies to maximize the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Haro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Atienza-Pérez
- Service of Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Paraplegic Patients, Carr. de la Peraleda, S/N, 45004 Toledo, Spain
| | - David Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Lopez-Dolado
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service and Internal Medicine, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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Van de Winckel A, Carpentier ST, Deng W, Bottale S, Zhang L, Hendrickson T, Linnman C, Lim KO, Mueller BA, Philippus A, Monden KR, Wudlick R, Battaglino R, Morse LR. Identifying Body Awareness-Related Brain Network Changes after Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Neuropathic Pain Relief in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: Delayed Treatment arm Phase I Randomized Controlled Trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.09.23285713. [PMID: 36798345 PMCID: PMC9934787 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.23285713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) is notoriously hard to treat. Mechanisms of neuropathic pain are unclear, which makes finding effective treatments challenging. Prior studies have shown that adults with SCI have body awareness deficits. Recent imaging studies, including ours, point to the parietal operculum and insula as key areas for both pain perception and body awareness. Cognitive multisensory rehabilitation (CMR) is a physical therapy approach that helps improve body awareness for pain reduction and sensorimotor recovery. Based on our prior brain imaging work in CMR in stroke, we hypothesized that improving body awareness through restoring parietal operculum network connectivity leads to neuropathic pain relief and improved sensorimotor and daily life function in adults with SCI. Thus, the objectives of this study were to (1) determine baseline differences in resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain function in adults with SCI compared to healthy controls and (2) identify changes in brain function and behavioral pain and pain-associated outcomes in adults with SCI after CMR. Methods Healthy adults underwent a one-time MRI scan and completed questionnaires. We recruited community-dwelling adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with complete or incomplete SCI >3 months, and highest neuropathic pain intensity level of >3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants with SCI were randomized into two groups, according to a delayed treatment arm phase I randomized controlled trial (RCT): Group A immediately received CMR intervention, 3x/week, 45 min/session, followed by a 6-week and 1-year follow-up. Group B started with a 6-week observation period, then 6 weeks of CMR, and a 1-year follow-up. Highest, average, and lowest neuropathic pain intensity levels were assessed weekly with the NPRS as primary outcome. Other primary outcomes (fMRI resting-state and functional tasks; sensory and motor function with the INSCI AIS exam), as well as secondary outcomes (mood, function, spasms, and other SCI secondary conditions), were assessed at baseline, after the first and second 6-week period. The INSCI AIS exam and questionnaires were repeated at the 1-year follow-up. Findings Thirty-six healthy adults and 28 adults with SCI were recruited between September 2020 and August 2021, and of those, 31 healthy adults and 26 adults with SCI were enrolled in the study. All 26 participants with SCI completed the intervention and pre-post assessments. There were no study-related adverse events. Participants were 52±15 years of age, and 1-56 years post-SCI. During the observation period, group B did not show any reductions in neuropathic pain and did not have any changes in sensation or motor function (INSCI ASIA exam). However, both groups experienced a significant reduction in neuropathic pain after the 6-week CMR intervention. Their highest level of neuropathic pain of 7.81±1.33 on the NPRS at baseline was reduced to 2.88±2.92 after 6 weeks of CMR. Their change scores were 4.92±2.92 (large effect size Cohen's d =1.68) for highest neuropathic pain, 4.12±2.23 ( d =1.85) for average neuropathic pain, and 2.31±2.07 ( d =1.00) for lowest neuropathic pain. Nine participants out of 26 were pain-free after the intervention (34.62%). The results of the INSCI AIS testing also showed significant improvements in sensation, muscle strength, and function after 6 weeks of CMR. Their INSCI AIS exam increased by 8.81±5.37 points ( d =1.64) for touch sensation, 7.50±4.89 points ( d =1.53) for pin prick sensation, and 3.87±2.81 ( d =1.38) for lower limb muscle strength. Functional improvements after the intervention included improvements in balance for 17 out of 18 participants with balance problems at baseline; improved transfers for all of them and a returned ability to stand upright with minimal assistance in 12 out of 20 participants who were unable to stand at baseline. Those improvements were maintained at the 1-year follow-up. With regard to brain imaging, we confirmed that the resting-state parietal operculum and insula networks had weaker connections in adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain (n=20) compared to healthy adults (n=28). After CMR, stronger resting-state parietal operculum network connectivity was found in adults with SCI. Also, at baseline, as expected, right toe sensory stimulation elicited less brain activation in adults with SCI (n=22) compared to healthy adults (n=26). However, after CMR, there was increased brain activation in relevant sensorimotor and parietal areas related to pain and mental body representations (i.e., body awareness and visuospatial body maps) during the toe stimulation fMRI task. These brain function improvements aligned with the AIS results of improved touch sensation, including in the feet. Interpretation Adults with chronic SCI had significant neuropathic pain relief and functional improvements, attributed to the recovery of sensation and movement after CMR. The results indicate the preliminary efficacy of CMR for restoring function in adults with chronic SCI. CMR is easily implementable in current physical therapy practice. These encouraging impressive results pave the way for larger randomized clinical trials aimed at testing the efficacy of CMR to alleviate neuropathic pain in adults with SCI. Clinical Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04706208. Funding AIRP2-IND-30: Academic Investment Research Program (AIRP) University of Minnesota School of Medicine. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494; the Biotechnology Research Center: P41EB015894, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke Institutional Center Core Grants to Support Neuroscience Research: P30 NS076408; and theHigh-Performancee Connectome Upgrade for Human 3T MR Scanner: 1S10OD017974.
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Donegan T, Ryan BE, Sanchez-Vives MV, Świdrak J. Altered bodily perceptions in chronic neuropathic pain conditions and implications for treatment using immersive virtual reality. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:1024910. [PMID: 36466621 PMCID: PMC9714822 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1024910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is highly disabling and difficult to treat and manage. Patients with such conditions often report altered bodily perceptions that are thought to be associated with maladaptive structural and functional alterations in the somatosensory cortex. Manipulating these altered perceptions using body illusions in virtual reality is being investigated and may have positive clinical implications for the treatment of these conditions. Here, we have conducted a narrative review of the evidence for the types of bodily distortions associated with a variety of peripheral and central neuropathic pain conditions. In addition, we summarize the experimental and clinical studies that have explored embodiment and body transformation illusions in immersive virtual reality for neuropathic pain relief, which are thought to target these maladaptive changes, as well as suggesting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Donegan
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brenda E. Ryan
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria V. Sanchez-Vives
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Justyna Świdrak
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Van de Winckel A, Carpentier S, Deng W, Bottale S, Hendrickson T, Zhang L, Wudlick R, Linnman C, Battaglino R, Morse L. Identifying Body Awareness-Related Brain Network Changes After Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Neuropathic Pain Relief in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol of a Phase I Randomized Controlled Trial. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2022; 28:33-43. [PMID: 36457363 PMCID: PMC9678218 DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background About 69% of the 299,000 Americans living with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience long-term debilitating neuropathic pain. New treatments are needed because current treatments do not provide enough pain relief. We have found that insular-opercular brain network alterations may contribute to neuropathic pain and that restoring this network could reduce neuropathic pain. Here, we outline a study protocol using a physical therapy approach, cognitive multisensory rehabilitation (CMR), which has been shown to restore OP1/OP4 connections in adults post stroke, to test our hypothesis that CMR can normalize pain perception through restoring OP1/OP4 connectivity in adults with SCI and relieve neuropathic pain. Objectives To compare baseline brain function via resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults with SCI versus uninjured controls, and to identify changes in brain function and behavioral pain outcomes after CMR in adults with SCI. Methods In this phase I randomized controlled trial, adults with SCI will be randomized into two groups: Group A will receive 6 weeks of CMR followed by 6 weeks of standard of care (no therapy) at home. Group B will start with 6 weeks of standard of care (no therapy) at home and then receive 6 weeks of CMR. Neuroimaging and behavioral measures are collected at baseline, after the first 6 weeks (A: post therapy, B: post waitlist), and after the second 6 weeks (A: post-therapy follow-up, B: post therapy), with follow-up of both groups up to 12 months. Conclusion The successful outcome of our study will be a critical next step toward implementing CMR in clinical care to improve health in adults with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Van de Winckel
- Division of Physical Therapy, Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sydney Carpentier
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Wei Deng
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sara Bottale
- Centro Studi di Riabilitazione Neurocognitiva - Villa Miari (Study Center for Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation), Santorso, Italy
| | - Timothy Hendrickson
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute, Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lin Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rob Wudlick
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Clas Linnman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ricardo Battaglino
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Leslie Morse
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Guo Y, Ge Y, Li J, Dou W, Pan Y. Impact of injury duration on a sensorimotor functional network in complete spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1765-1774. [PMID: 35608180 PMCID: PMC9541761 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Connectivity changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) appear as dynamic post‐injury procedures. The present study aimed to investigate the alterations in the functional connectivity (FC) in different injury duration in complete SCI using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A total of 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 27 complete SCI patients were recruited in this study. A seed‐based connectivity analysis compared FC differences between HCs and SCI and among SCI subgroups (SCI patients with post‐injury within 6 months (early stage, n = 13) vs. those with post‐injury beyond 6 months (late stage, n = 14)). Compared to HCs, SCI patients showed an increase in FC between sensorimotor cortex and cognitive, visual, and auditory cortices. The FC between motor cortex and cognitive cortex increased over time after injury. The FC between sensory cortex and visual cortex increased within 6 months after SCI, while FC between the sensory cortex and auditory cortex increased beyond 6 months after injury. The FC between sensorimotor cortex and cognitive, visual, auditory regions increased in complete SCI patients. The brain FC changed dynamically, and rehabilitation might be adapted over time after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiang Ge
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Weibei Dou
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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