Overview
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- right-handed
- have a history of progressive neurological deficits <24 months
- eligible for MRI scanning
Exclusion Criteria:
- having any other neurological disorder or systemic disease that can impair neurological function
- not fluent in reading and speaking English
- being claustrophobic
- unable to follow simple task instructions and maintain standardized movements
- being unable to return for all follow-up imaging and rehabilitation sessions