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Investigating the human spinal sensorimotor pathways through functional magnetic resonance imaging
Caroline Landelle1, Ovidiu Lungu1, Shahabeddin Vahdat2
1McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Neuroimage
|November 4, 2021
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the spinal cord offers a powerful in vivo tool to map human sensory and motor pathways. This technique validates known spinal cord organization and aids in clinical assessments of spinal impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human neuroimaging
- Spinal cord research
Background:
- Traditional understanding of human spinal pathways relies on electrophysiology.
- Advances in spinal cord functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide new insights.
- Spinal fMRI enables in vivo exploration of the human spinal cord.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and map spinal fMRI activity.
- To somatotopically map sensory, motor, and resting-state pathways.
- To cross-validate neuroimaging findings with neurophysiological data.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for spinal fMRI studies.
- Analysis of somatotopic maps from somatosensory, motor, and resting-state paradigms.
- Cross-referencing fMRI data with existing neurophysiological knowledge.
Main Results:
- Spinal fMRI successfully maps human spinal cord pathways in vivo.
- Task-related and resting-state fMRI show strong cross-validation.
- Findings align with established hemicord, postero-anterior, and rostro-caudal organization.
Conclusions:
- Spinal fMRI is a powerful tool for in vivo human spinal cord pathway exploration.
- The technique offers significant advantages for clinical settings.
- Spinal fMRI can characterize spinal impairments, predict progression, and guide interventions.
