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A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Therapeutic intraspinal microstimulation improves forelimb function after cervical contusion injury
M R Kasten1, M D Sunshine, E S Secrist
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|May 30, 2013
Summary
Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) using chronic cervical implants improved forelimb function in rats post-injury. This electrical stimulation enhanced volitional control and movement recovery, showing lasting benefits beyond the stimulation period.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) offers a potential therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries.
- Activating the spinal cord distal to injury is crucial for restoring function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of chronically implanted cervical spinal cord electrodes for producing forelimb movements.
- To determine if ISMS enhances volitional control of paretic limbs after spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- Developed chronic intraspinal electrode implantation in rat cervical spinal cord (C6-T1).
- Administered therapeutic ISMS (7 hrs/day, 5 days/week) for 12 weeks, starting 4 weeks post-C4-C5 contusion injury.
Main Results:
- Stimulus-evoked forelimb movements remained stable over 12 weeks.
- Animals receiving ISMS showed significantly improved volitional forelimb reaching, elbow extension, and digit opening compared to controls.
- No increased tissue damage was observed despite gradual increases in stimulation threshold.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic ISMS via chronic cervical implants promotes functional recovery extending beyond stimulation.
- This suggests potential for neural devices to aid sustained recovery after spinal cord injury.
