The investigators have spent the last decade uncovering unique metabolic and functional abnormalities in the brains of patients with spinal cord compression. Degenerative spinal cord compression represents a unique model of reversible spinal cord injury. In the investigator's previous work, they have demonstrated that cortical reorganization and recruitment is associated with metabolic changes in the brains of patients recovering from spinal cord compression and is correlated with recovery and improved neurological scores. The goal of this study is to combine a rigorous platform of clinical care that includes preoperative evaluation, surgery, and rehabilitation, with state of the art imaging techniques to demonstrate how rehabilitative therapy can increase brain plasticity and recovery of neurological function in patients with spinal cord injury. Neurological function will be carefully evaluated in two groups of patients, those receiving rehabilitation and those not receiving rehabilitation after spine surgery, and will be correlated with the results of advanced imaging.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Changes in levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the motor cortex
Timeframe: Measured and reported for all follow-ups throughout study (i.e. pre-operatively, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months)
Changes to volume of activation in motor and supplementary motor cortices
Timeframe: Measured and reported for all follow-ups throughout study (i.e. pre-operatively, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months)
Changes in Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP) scores
Timeframe: Measured and reported for all follow-ups throughout study (i.e. pre-operatively, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months)
Changes to intensity of cortical activation in motor and supplementary motor cortices
Timeframe: Measured and reported for all follow-ups throughout study (i.e. pre-operatively, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months)