Abstract
Even in cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) where sensory perceptions do not arise from stimuli applied to below-level regions, sensory input to the spinal cord, carried by spinal sensory afferents, still occurs and influences the central and autonomic nervous systems (CNS, ANS). This is true also of the vagal system which provides non-spinal innervation of viscera below many spinal cord injuries. It is therefore important to consider (1) how the neurochemical, anatomical, and electrophysiological properties of these sensory neurons, and the processing of the inputs by the CNS and ANS, is altered by SCI, (2) whether and how they may play a role in pathologies, and (3) how they may interact with treatment strategies. This Research Topic addresses plasticity of sensory systems after SCI, with a non-exclusive focus on systems below the level of the injury. POST-SCI AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONS The ANS controls systems below the level of consciousness and this is often taken for granted until something goes awry. Those living with SCI are acutely aware of the functions regulated, or more often dysregulated, by the ANS. One of the most pressing of these issues is autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a chronic and com
Highlights
POST-spinal cord injury (SCI) AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONS The ANS controls systems below the level of consciousness and this is often taken for granted until something goes awry
autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is generally considered an episodic pathology with bouts initiated and maintained by a physiological trigger, and is treated symptomatically and by finding and removing the stimulus
The most frequent triggers of AD appear to be noxious stimuli below the injury level [anything from a full bladder, an impacted bowel or a pressure ulcer to an ingrown toenail or having new shoes tied too tightly (e.g., Krassioukov et al, 2009)], placing focus onto plasticity in nociceptive sensory neurons (Ramer et al, 2012) for identifying potential mechanisms and treatments (Rabchevsky et al, 2012), though fundamental questions remain regarding the actual trigger in humans and experimental model systems (Macefield et al, 2012)
Summary
POST-SCI AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONS The ANS controls systems below the level of consciousness and this is often taken for granted until something goes awry. The most frequent triggers of AD appear to be noxious stimuli below the injury level [anything from a full bladder, an impacted bowel or a pressure ulcer to an ingrown toenail or having new shoes tied too tightly (e.g., Krassioukov et al, 2009)], placing focus onto plasticity in nociceptive sensory neurons (Ramer et al, 2012) for identifying potential mechanisms and treatments (Rabchevsky et al, 2012), though fundamental questions remain regarding the actual trigger in humans and experimental model systems (Macefield et al, 2012).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
