Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major disability that results in motor and sensory impairment and extensive complications for the affected individuals which not only affect the quality of life of the patients but also result in a heavy burden for their families and the health care system. Although there are few clinically effective treatments for SCI, research over the past few decades has resulted in several novel treatment strategies which are related to neuromodulation. Neuromodulation—the use of neuromodulators, electrical stimulation or optogenetics to modulate neuronal activity—can substantially promote the recovery of sensorimotor function after SCI. Recent studies have shown that neuromodulation, in combination with other technologies, can allow paralyzed patients to carry out intentional, controlled movement, and promote sensory recovery. Although such treatments hold promise for completely overcoming SCI, the mechanisms by which neuromodulation has this effect have been difficult to determine. Here we review recent progress relative to electrical neuromodulation and optogenetics neuromodulation. We also examine potential mechanisms by which these methods may restore sensorimotor function. We then highlight the strengths of these approaches and remaining challenges with respect to its application.
Highlights
The most obvious consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is paralysis, which leaves the patient with partial or complete loss of sensation and movement
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to the loss of nerve and blood vessel cells and destroys the normal connection between spinal cord neural circuits and the cerebral cortex, resulting in the destruction of Neuromodulation After SCI
The continuous development of optogenetics technology is expected to overcome the limitation of electrical stimulation in promoting sensorimotor function recovery after SCI
Summary
The most obvious consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is paralysis, which leaves the patient with partial or complete loss of sensation and movement. The continuous development of optogenetics technology is expected to overcome the limitation of electrical stimulation in promoting sensorimotor function recovery after SCI.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.