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International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2020Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological and pathological state that causes major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Its pathophysiology comprises... (Review)
Review
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological and pathological state that causes major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Its pathophysiology comprises acute and chronic phases and incorporates a cascade of destructive events such as ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory events, apoptotic pathways and locomotor dysfunctions. Many therapeutic strategies have been proposed to overcome neurodegenerative events and reduce secondary neuronal damage. Efforts have also been devoted in developing neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative therapies that promote neuronal recovery and outcome. Although varying degrees of success have been achieved, curative accomplishment is still elusive probably due to the complex healing and protective mechanisms involved. Thus, current understanding in this area must be assessed to formulate appropriate treatment modalities to improve SCI recovery. This review aims to promote the understanding of SCI pathophysiology, interrelated or interlinked multimolecular interactions and various methods of neuronal recovery i.e., neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and neuro-regenerative pathways and relevant approaches.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Injuries; Spinal Cord Regeneration
PubMed: 33066029
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207533 -
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.) Feb 2021This article focuses on clinically relevant teaching points in spinal anatomy and localizing the lesion in myelopathy. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article focuses on clinically relevant teaching points in spinal anatomy and localizing the lesion in myelopathy.
RECENT FINDINGS
The principles underlying spinal cord lesion localization are well established, but improvements in MRI and the discovery of pathologic antibodies associated with causes of transverse myelitis distinct from multiple sclerosis, such as aquaporin-4 IgG and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG, have assisted in diagnosis.
SUMMARY
The spinal cord has a highly organized neuroanatomy of ascending and descending tracts that convey sensory, motor, and autonomic information. Using integration of clues from the patient's history and neurologic examination, the effective clinician can distinguish spinal cord from peripheral nerve or brain pathology, often determine the level and parts of the spinal cord affected by a lesion, and focus on a likely diagnosis. The advent of MRI of the spine has revolutionized investigation of spinal cord disorders, but an important place for strong clinical acumen still exists in assessing the patient with a myelopathy.
Topics: Aquaporin 4; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; Myelitis, Transverse; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Diseases
PubMed: 33522735
DOI: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000899 -
Journal of Ultrasound Jun 2019Ultrasound represents the first-line survey for the assessment of spinal cord development abnormalities. In fact, within 6 months of life, the non-ossification of... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound represents the first-line survey for the assessment of spinal cord development abnormalities. In fact, within 6 months of life, the non-ossification of neuronal arcs provides an excellent acoustic window that allows a detailed depiction of the spinal canal, its content and of the surrounding soft tissues. Nevertheless, an accurate ultrasound examination requires a complete knowledge of the anatomy, the condition of normality, the frequent anatomical variants and the main pathologies involved. This review is intended to briefly summarize the US technique, the main clinical indication and the key notions that could help to properly perform this type of ultrasound examination.
Topics: Anatomic Variation; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Diseases; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 30535560
DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0345-y -
Frontiers of Neurology and Neuroscience 2012Spinal cord infarction is much rarer than cerebral stroke, but its early recognition is important as it may signify serious aortic conditions. The most frequent type is... (Review)
Review
Spinal cord infarction is much rarer than cerebral stroke, but its early recognition is important as it may signify serious aortic conditions. The most frequent type is anterior spinal artery syndrome, presenting with bilateral weakness (usually paraparesis), impairment of spinothalamic sensation and preservation of deep sensation. Depending on its level, it may present with respiratory dysfunction. More rarely, posterior infarcts sparing spinothalamic sensation but involving lemniscal sensation may be encountered. Unilateral, central or transverse infarction may also be seen probably on account of different mechanisms. Other rarer forms of spinal ischemia also include spinal TIAs, venous infarction, fibrocartilaginous embolism and decompression sickness.
Topics: Humans; Infarction; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Diseases; Syndrome
PubMed: 22377894
DOI: 10.1159/000333682 -
The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal... Dec 2023With the brain, the spinal cord forms the central nervous system. Initially considered a passive relay between the brain and the periphery, the spinal cord is now... (Review)
Review
With the brain, the spinal cord forms the central nervous system. Initially considered a passive relay between the brain and the periphery, the spinal cord is now recognized as being active and plastic. Yet, it remains largely overlooked by the human neuroscience community, in stark contrast with the wealth of research investigating the brain. In this review, we argue that fMRI, traditionally used to image cerebral function, can be extended beyond the brain to help unravel spinal mechanisms involved in human behaviors. To this end, we first outline strategies that have been proposed to tackle the challenges inherent to spinal cord fMRI. Then, we discuss how they have been utilized to provide insights into the functional organization of spinal sensorimotor circuits, highlighting their potential to address fundamental and clinical questions. By summarizing guidelines and applications of spinal cord fMRI, we hope to stimulate and support further research into this promising yet underexplored field.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spinal Cord; Brain
PubMed: 35822665
DOI: 10.1177/10738584221101827 -
Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology :... Dec 2013
Review
Topics: Humans; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; Neurosurgical Procedures; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 24300985
DOI: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000010 -
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.) Feb 2015This article reviews the neuroanatomical arrangement of the white matter pathways and gray matter columns of the spinal cord and explores how injury to the spinal cord... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews the neuroanatomical arrangement of the white matter pathways and gray matter columns of the spinal cord and explores how injury to the spinal cord leads to a typical constellation of symptoms and signs depending on the cross-sectional and longitudinal extent of the lesion.
RECENT FINDINGS
As refined imaging techniques and novel biomarkers help identify spinal cord diseases more readily, familiarity with the classic spinal cord syndromes and localizing principles remains essential for prompt recognition of spinal cord involvement and efficient diagnostic testing in order to direct therapy and avoid permanent injury.
SUMMARY
Spinal cord disease can progress rapidly and cause debilitating deficits, making prompt recognition and treatment crucial. Knowledge of the organization of these pathways and cell columns, along with their surrounding structures and blood supply, allows the clinician to localize processes within the spinal column. This, in turn, can suggest the type of pathologic process involved and direct further evaluation and management.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Diseases
PubMed: 25651215
DOI: 10.1212/01.CON.0000461082.25876.4a -
Neurosurgical Review Jul 2018There is growing evidence that the nervous system influences spinal cord vasculature. However, most descriptions of the spinal cord have paid little attention to this... (Review)
Review
There is growing evidence that the nervous system influences spinal cord vasculature. However, most descriptions of the spinal cord have paid little attention to this important aspect. We reviewed the literature on the innervation of spinal cord vessels with an emphasis on findings that may be applicable to human medicine. Multiple neurotransmitters and competing theories have been implicated in the neural regulation of spinal cord blood vessels. Identifying valid mechanisms of pathogenesis could be beneficial to human patients with spinal cord lesions. We discuss the various findings on the neural mechanisms behind spinal cord blood flow. Further investigation is warranted due to the current emphasis on comparative animal studies without corresponding corroborative human findings.
Topics: Blood Vessels; Humans; Regional Blood Flow; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Diseases
PubMed: 27709410
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-016-0788-6 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Jan 2010The neonatal mouse spinal cord is a model for studying the development of neural circuitries and locomotor movement. We demonstrate the spinal cord dissection and...
The neonatal mouse spinal cord is a model for studying the development of neural circuitries and locomotor movement. We demonstrate the spinal cord dissection and preparation of recording bath artificial cerebrospinal fluid used for locomotor studies. Once dissected, the spinal cord ventral nerve roots can be attached to a recording electrode to record the electrophysiologic signals of the central pattern generating circuitry within the lumbar cord.
Topics: Animals; Electrophysiology; Mice; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 20084054
DOI: 10.3791/1660 -
Current Biology : CB Nov 2007
Topics: Animals; Interneurons; Locomotion; Mammals; Nervous System; Neuronal Plasticity; Sensation; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 18029245
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2007.10.014