RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT03320759

Enhancing Recovery in Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Enhancing Recovery in Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Implementation of an Integrated Program for the Assessment of Rehabilitation Therapies

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Aug 21, 2018

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Spinal cord compression Cervical Spondylosis Spinal Cord Injuries Myelopathy Cervical

Summary

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

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tracks recovery in people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury (such as from a tumor or degenerative disease) using MRI brain imaging and rehabilitation. Researchers want to understand how the brain and spinal cord reorganize during recovery. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older and right-handed - You have had progressive neurological symptoms for less than 24 months - You are able to have an MRI scan You may NOT be eligible if: - You have another neurological disorder or systemic illness affecting your nervous system - You cannot read or speak English fluently - You are claustrophobic - You cannot follow simple task instructions or maintain standardized movements - You cannot attend all follow-up imaging and rehabilitation sessions Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALOccupational therapy rehabilitation

Participants in the experimental arm will receive occupational therapy that is individualized to each participant's needs from week 4 post-decompression surgery until week 12.