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Wang L, Wang S, Zheng W, Yang B, Yang Y, Chen X, Chen Q, Li X, Hu Y, Du J, Qin W, Lu J, Chen N. Altered Brain Function in Pediatric Patients With Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 60:304-313. [PMID: 37800893 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury to the spinal cord of children may cause potential brain reorganizations, affecting their rehabilitation. However, the specific functional alterations of children after complete spinal cord injury (CSCI) remain unclear. PURPOSE To explore the specific functional changes in local brain and the relationship with clinical characteristics in pediatric CSCI patients, clarifying the impact of CSCI on brain function in developing children. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Thirty pediatric CSCI patients (7.83 ± 1.206 years) and 30 age-, gender-matched healthy children as controls (HCs) (8.77 ± 2.079 years). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T/Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) using echo-planar-imaging (EPI) sequence. ASSESSMENT Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to characterize regional neural function. STATISTICAL TESTS Two-sample t-tests were used to compare the ALFF, fALFF, ReHo values of the brain between pediatric CSCI and HCs (voxel-level FWE correction, P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analyses were performed to analyze the associations between the ALFF, fALFF, ReHo values in altered regions and the injury duration, sensory motor scores of pediatric CSCI patients (P < 0.05). Then receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to identify possible sensitive imaging indicators for clinical therapy. RESULTS Compared with HCs, pediatric CSCI showed significantly decreased ALFF in the right postcentral gyrus (S1), orbitofrontal cortex, and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), increased ALFF in bilateral caudate nucleus, thalamus, middle cingulate gyrus, and cerebellar lobules IV-VI, and increased ReHo in left cerebellum Crus II and Brodmann area 21. The ALFF value in the right S1 negatively correlated with the pinprick and light touch sensory scores of pediatric CSCI. When the left STG was used as an imaging biomarker for pediatric CSCI, it achieved the highest area under the curve of 0.989. CONCLUSIONS These findings may provide potential neural mechanisms for sensory motor and cognitive-emotional deficits in children after CSCI. EVIDENCE LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Shengqiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Beining Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejing Li
- Department of Radiology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Hu
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jubao Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
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Singh G, Keller A, Lucas K, Borders C, Stout D, King M, Parikh P, Stepp N, Ugiliweneza B, D'Amico JM, Gerasimenko Y, Behrman AL. Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:661-671. [PMID: 37269282 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.04.475] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), transcutaneous spinal stimulation (scTS) has improved upper extremity strength and control. This novel noninvasive neurotherapeutic approach combined with training may modulate the inherent developmental plasticity of children with SCI, providing even greater improvements than training or stimulation alone. Because children with SCI represent a vulnerable population, we first must establish the safety and feasibility of any potential novel therapeutic approach. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the safety, feasibility, and proof of principle of cervical and thoracic scTS for short-term effect on upper extremity strength in children with SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this nonrandomized, within-subject repeated measure design, seven participants with chronic cervical SCI performed upper extremity motor tasks without and with cervical (C3-C4 and C6-C7) and thoracic (T10-T11) site scTS. Safety and feasibility of using cervical and thoracic sites scTS were determined by the frequency count of anticipated and unanticipated risks (eg, pain, numbness). Proof-of-principle concept was tested via change in force production during hand motor tasks. RESULTS All seven participants tolerated cervical and thoracic scTS across the three days, with a wide range of stimulation intensities (cervical sites = 20-70 mA and thoracic site = 25-190 mA). Skin redness at the stimulation sites was observed in four of 21 assessments (19%) and dissipated in a few hours. No episode of autonomic dysreflexia was observed or reported. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure and heart rate) remained within stable limits (p > 0.05) throughout the assessment time points at baseline, with scTS, and after the experiment. Hand-grip and wrist-extension strength increased (p < 0.05) with scTS. CONCLUSIONS We indicated that short-term application of scTS via two cervical and one thoracic site is safe and feasible in children with SCI and resulted in immediate improvements in hand-grip and wrist-extension strength in the presence of scTS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT04032990.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Singh
- Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy, Spalding University, Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | | | - Kathryn Lucas
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | | | - Molly King
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Parth Parikh
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nicole Stepp
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jessica M D'Amico
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yury Gerasimenko
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA; Pavlov Institute of Physiology, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrea L Behrman
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Neurological surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
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Wang L, Yang B, Zheng W, Liang T, Chen X, Chen Q, Du J, Lu J, Li B, Chen N. Alterations in cortical thickness and volumes of subcortical structures in pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14810. [PMID: 38887969 PMCID: PMC11183907 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14810] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To study the changes in cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter structures in children with complete spinal cord injury (CSCI), reveal the possible causes of dysfunction beyond sensory motor dysfunction after CSCI, and provide a possible neural basis for corresponding functional intervention training. METHODS Thirty-seven pediatric CSCI patients and 34 age-, gender-matched healthy children as healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The 3D high-resolution T1-weighted structural images of all subjects were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI system. Statistical differences between pediatric CSCI patients and HCs in cortical thickness and volumes of subcortical gray matter structures were evaluated. Then, correlation analyses were performed to analyze the correlation between the imaging indicators and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Compared with HCs, pediatric CSCI patients showed decreased cortical thickness in the right precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and posterior segment of the lateral sulcus, while increased cortical thickness in the right lingual gyrus and inferior occipital gyrus. The volume of the right thalamus in pediatric CSCI patients was significantly smaller than that in HCs. No significant correlation was found between the imaging indicators and the injury duration, sensory scores, and motor scores of pediatric CSCI patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that the brain structural reorganizations of pediatric CSCI occurred not only in sensory motor areas but also in cognitive and visual related brain regions, which may suggest that the visual processing, cognitive abnormalities, and related early intervention therapy also deserve greater attention beyond sensory motor rehabilitation training in pediatric CSCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain InformaticsBeijingChina
| | - Beining Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain InformaticsBeijingChina
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tengfei Liang
- Department of Medical ImagingAffiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering UniversityHandanChina
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain InformaticsBeijingChina
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jubao Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain InformaticsBeijingChina
| | - Baowei Li
- Department of Medical ImagingAffiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering UniversityHandanChina
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain InformaticsBeijingChina
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Ríos-León M, Onal B, Arango-Lasprilla JC, Augutis M, Graham A, Kelly EH, Kontaxakis A, López-Dolado E, Scheel-Sailer A, Valiullina S, Taylor J. Research Priorities of the Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Population: An International Insight for Rehabilitation Care. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 151:121-130. [PMID: 38154239 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although feedback from people with adult-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) has been considered for new rehabilitation programs, little is known about the priorities of the pediatric-onset SCI population. This study describes and compares health and life (H&L) domain research priorities of youth with pediatric-onset SCI and their parents/caregivers. METHODS A cross-sectional survey, designed by the Pan-European Paediatric Spinal Cord Injury (PEPSCI) Collaboration, was performed at six European countries. Dyad data from 202 participants, youth with pediatric-onset SCI (n = 101) and their parents/caregivers (n = 101), were analyzed with the PEPSCI H&L domain surveys. RESULTS The cohort was composed of 8 to 12-year-olds (30.7%), 13 to 17-year-olds (38.6%), and 18 to 25-year-olds (30.7%). The top three H&L domain research priorities reported by parents/caregivers of 8 to 12-year-olds were "walking/ability to move" (91%), "bladder" function (90%), and "general health/feel" (89%), compared with "physical function" (93%), "general health/feel" (90%), and "walking/ability to move" (89%) rated by parents/caregivers of 13 to 25-year-olds. "Bowel" function (85%), "leg/foot movement" (84%), and "bladder" function (84%) were reported as priorities by 13 to 25-year-olds, whereas "physical function" (84%), "experience at school" (83%), and "general mood" were highlighted by 8 to 12-year-olds. The top 10 priorities preferred by 13 to 25-year-olds when compared with the top 10 priorities reported by their parents/caregivers, included problems related to "bowel" and "pain." CONCLUSIONS Health domain research priorities were highlighted by 13 to 25-year-olds, compared with their parents/caregivers who equally identified H&L domains. This survey will aid health care and clinical research organizations to engage stakeholders to implement a comprehensive research strategy for the pediatric SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ríos-León
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain.
| | - Bashak Onal
- NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Aylesbury, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marika Augutis
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allison Graham
- National Spinal Injuries Centre, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Stoke Mandeville, UK
| | | | | | - Elisa López-Dolado
- Rehabilitation Department, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Anke Scheel-Sailer
- Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland; Department of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Svetlana Valiullina
- Clinical and Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Trauma, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julian Taylor
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain; Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Wang L, Chen X, Zheng W, Yang Y, Yang B, Chen Q, Li X, Liang T, Li B, Hu Y, Du J, Lu J, Chen N. The possible neural mechanism of neuropathic pain evoked by motor imagery in pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury: A preliminary brain structure study based on VBM. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24569. [PMID: 38312693 PMCID: PMC10835172 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24569] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we observed pediatric complete spinal cord injury (CSCI) patients receiving MI training and divided them into different groups according to the effect of motor imagery (MI) training on neuropathic pain (NP). Then, we retrospectively analysed the differences in brain structure of these groups before the MI training, identifying brain regions that may predict the effect of MI on NP. Thirty pediatric CSCI patients were included, including 12 patients who experienced NP during MI and 18 patients who did not experience NP during MI according to the MI training follow-up. The 3D high-resolution T1-weighted images of all subjects were obtained using a 3.0 T MRI system before MI training. A two-sample t-test was performed to evaluate the differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between patients who experienced NP and those who did not experience NP during MI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compute the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging biomarkers for the effect of MI on NP in pediatric CSCI patients. MI evoked NP in some of the pediatric CSCI patients. Compared with patients who did not experience NP, patients who experienced NP during MI showed larger GMV in the right primary sensorimotor cortex (PSMC) and insula. When using the GMV of the right PSMC and insula in combination as a predictor, the area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.824. Our study demonstrated that MI could evoke NP in some pediatric CSCI patients, but not in others. The individual differences in brain reorganization of the right PSMC and insula may contribute to the different effects of MI on NP. Moreover, the GMV of the right PSMC and insula in combination may be an effective indicator for screening pediatric CSCI patients before MI training therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Beining Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xuejing Li
- Department of Radiology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Tengfei Liang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, 056008, China
| | - Baowei Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, 056008, China
| | - Yongsheng Hu
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jubao Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, 100053, China
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Cunha NSC, Malvea A, Sadat S, Ibrahim GM, Fehlings MG. Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1456. [PMID: 37761417 PMCID: PMC10530251 DOI: 10.3390/children10091456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating condition in children, with profound implications for their overall health and quality of life. In this review, we aim to provide a concise overview of the key aspects associated with SCIs in the pediatric population. Firstly, we discuss the etiology and epidemiology of SCIs in children, highlighting the diverse range of causes. We explore the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the developing spinal cord that contribute to the specific challenges faced by pediatric patients. Next, we delve into the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods, emphasizing the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis to facilitate appropriate interventions. Furthermore, we approach the multidisciplinary management of pediatric SCIs, encompassing acute medical care, surgical interventions, and ongoing supportive therapies. Finally, we explore emerging research as well as innovative therapies in the field, and we emphasize the need for continued advancements in understanding and treating SCIs in children to improve their functional independence and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anahita Malvea
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - Sarah Sadat
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada;
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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Wang L, Zheng WM, Liang TF, Yang YH, Yang BN, Chen X, Chen Q, Li XJ, Lu J, Li BW, Chen N. Brain Activation Evoked by Motor Imagery in Pediatric Patients with Complete Spinal Cord Injury. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:611-617. [PMID: 37080724 PMCID: PMC10171374 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, there is no effective treatment for pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury. Motor imagery has been proposed as an alternative to physical training for patients who are unable to move voluntarily. Our aim was to reveal the potential mechanism of motor imagery in the rehabilitation of pediatric complete spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy children as healthy controls were recruited. All participants underwent the motor imagery task-related fMRI scans, and additional motor execution scans were performed only on healthy controls. First, we compared the brain-activation patterns between motor imagery and motor execution in healthy controls. Then, we compared the brain activation of motor imagery between the 2 groups and compared the brain activation of motor imagery in pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury and that of motor execution in healthy controls. RESULTS In healthy controls, compared with motor execution, motor imagery showed increased activation in the left inferior parietal lobule and decreased activation in the left supplementary motor area, paracentral lobule, middle cingulate cortex, and right insula. In addition, our results revealed that the 2 groups both activated the bilateral supplementary motor area, middle cingulate cortex and left inferior parietal lobule, and supramarginal gyrus during motor imagery. Compared with healthy controls, higher activation in the bilateral paracentral lobule, supplementary motor area, putamen, and cerebellar lobules III-V was detected in pediatric complete spinal cord injury during motor imagery, and the activation of these regions was even higher than that of healthy controls during motor execution. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that part of the motor imagery network was functionally preserved in pediatric complete spinal cord injury and could be activated through motor imagery. In addition, higher-level activation in sensorimotor-related regions was also found in pediatric complete spinal cord injury during motor imagery. Our findings may provide a theoretic basis for the application of motor imagery training in pediatric complete spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wang
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - W M Zheng
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - T F Liang
- Department of Medical Imaging (T.F.L., B.W.L.), Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Y H Yang
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - B N Yang
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - X Chen
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - Q Chen
- Department of Radiology (Q.C.), Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - X J Li
- Department of Radiology (X.J.L.), China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - J Lu
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
| | - B W Li
- Department of Medical Imaging (T.F.L., B.W.L.), Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - N Chen
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics (L.W., W.M.Z., Y.H.Y., B.N.Y., X.C., J.L., N.C.), Beijing, China
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