Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s defence system. It helps us heal and protects us from harm by activating and recruiting immune cells and helpful chemicals. After a spinal cord injury (SCI), however, this changes quickly, and inflammation can persist for days to weeks, which can cause secondary damage in the spinal cord. In humans, we still don’t fully understand how long this inflammatory response within the spinal cord lasts, especially in the later, long-term stages after injury, which is what this study is trying to uncover. To address this issue, we are developing spinal cord thermometry, which leverages non-invasive MRI scans to measure temperature in the spinal cord in awake individuals. This method, we believe, would help us detect whether inflammation is still present in the spinal cord in individuals after several months or years after injury. This is, conceptually, very similar to how body temperature indicates if you have an infection.
In this study, participants will be asked to complete several questionnaires before undergoing non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and/or spinal cord. Additionally, spinal cord thermometry will be assessed during the same scan using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy thermometry (MRS-T). All scanning will be performed at the UBC MRI Research Center. Participants will be asked to remain still during scanning. SCI participants will be asked to undergo a clinical exam to assess how severe their injury is.
Why should you participate?
Participating in this study helps researchers to better understand the effects of long-term inflammation and tissue damage in individuals living with spinal cord injury. This can lead to new interventions to improve the quality of life in people with SCI and inform future studies to progress the research in this field. This study allows you to get scans of your brain and spinal cord. You will be redirected to proper care and informed of any unexpected abnormalities if you consent to being told.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are age 19 or older.
- For SCI participants to be included: Have a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury.
- For able-bodied participants to be included:
- Good general health.
- Have not been diagnosed with a neurological or psychological condition.
- Have not been diagnosed with a clinical condition (e.g., diabetes).
- Do not have acute or long-term pain.
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Are pregnant or have been in the last 6 months
- Are not able to provide informed consent
- Cannot undergo an MRI scan (e.g.. Claustrophobia, implanted pacemaker or pump).
Time commitment: This study requires one 3hr in person visit to UBC’s MRI Research Center. The total scanning time including set up will be 1- 1.30hrs. The study also requires pre-questionnaires and consent forms to be fulfilled before the visit.
Compensation for participation: Participants will be compensated for travel expenses such as gas, bus tickets, parking etc.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact Dr. John Kramer by email or at (604) 675-8815.
