Developing Precision Neurorehabilitation for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal neuromodulation approaches are revolutionizing spinal cord injury (SCI) research and provide hope that there are potential treatments on the horizon. However, the candidates who would benefit from this therapy remain unknown. We use biomechanical, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging evaluations to assess the potential for spinal neuromodulation to restore function for Veterans with SCI.
Sensory impacts of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is an exciting approach to restore function following neurological dysfunction after stroke or SCI. However, the non-invasive stimulation results in discomfort for participants due to activation of non-target areas. We aim to characterize the sensory impacts of tSCS and develop techniques to minimize the discomfort during stimulation.
Spinal cord stimulation for cervical myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is a common disorder that can result in loss of sensation, weakness, and paralysis for which there are limited treatment options. Our lab aims to translate our prior work in spinal neuromodulation to address the sensory and motor loss associated with cervical myelopathy.
Closed-loop control of neuromodulation
Recent developments in neuromodulation have shown the powerful impact that closed-loop control can have in terms of functional outcomes. Spinal cord recordings such as evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) can be used to titrate therapy for chronic pain, but have yet to be used for restoration of function. Our lab investigates the use of epidural spinal recordings to use as control signals for therapy.