MRI markers to predict hand recovery after surgery for cervical myelopathy
MRI-Derived Neuromuscular Signatures to Predict Surgical Response in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Researchers will use MRI scans of the brain, spinal cord, and hand muscles to find patterns that help predict how adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy will regain hand strength and coordination after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get MRI scans of your brain, cervical spinal cord, and the muscles that control your hand to measure structure and function. The team will combine those MRI measures into neuromuscular signatures that describe how the whole brain–spinal cord–muscle system is working. They will compare those signatures with patients' hand strength and coordination before and after surgery to see which patterns link to better recovery. The goal is to create a predictive signature that can inform surgical decision-making and expected outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with degenerative cervical myelopathy who have hand weakness or coordination problems and are being considered for cervical spine surgery would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without degenerative cervical myelopathy, those whose hand problems are due to other causes, or individuals unable to undergo MRI or surgery are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help predict who is most likely to regain hand function after surgery and improve surgical decision-making and counseling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI work has linked spinal cord or brain changes to outcomes, but combining brain, spinal cord, and muscle measures into a single predictive neuromuscular signature is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, Kenneth Arnold — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Weber, Kenneth Arnold
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.