Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Study the Human Neuromuscular System
Published on: January 20, 2012
Functional MR imaging of the cervical spinal cord by use of 20Hz functional electrical stimulation to median nerve
Chu-hai Xie1, Kang-mei Kong, Ji-tian Guan
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital to Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China 515041.
Purpose:
Functional MR imaging of the human cervical spinal cord was carried out on volunteers by 20Hz functional electrical stimulation to median nerve, in order to detect signal changes arising concomitant to neuronal activity.
Methods:
Functional MR imaging data were acquired in six subjects with single-shot fast spin-echo sequence (SSFSE) on a 1.5T GE Clinical System. Cervical spinal cord activation was measured both in the sagittal and transverse imaging planes. Postprocessing was performed by AFNI (Analysis of Functional Neuroimages) software system.
Results:
Activation correlated with the time course of stimulation was consistently detected in both sagittal and transverse imaging planes of the cervical spinal cord. Regions of the spinal cord associated with motor and pain response were observed by 20Hz functional electrical stimulation to the median nerve.
Conclusion:
The functional MR imaging signal can be detected in the human cervical spinal cord with functional electrical stimulation. Investigating the FES response in the spinal cord using the spinal fMRI will be helpful for the further discussion on the diagnosis and functional recovery to spinal cord diseases.
More Related Videos
12:13Assessing Primary Motor Cortex Excitability and Excitability Modulation by Pairing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Electromyography
Published on: October 7, 2025
08:55Use of a Foot-Induced Digitally Controlled Resistance Device for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Patients with Foot Paresis
Published on: July 7, 2023