Understanding cervical spinal cord compression in people with and without myelopathy
Official title: Evaluating radiographic and clinical injury in myelopathic and non-myelopathic cervical spinal compression
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11450411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how spinal cord compression in the neck affects people, including those with mild or no symptoms, to find better imaging tools and early signs of trouble.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $597,396 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146455-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cervical spinal cord compression, with or without myelopathy, who may have mild or subclinical deficits and are undergoing imaging or clinical evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cervical cord compression or who do not have early or mild deficits may not benefit from this research approach.
What this research studies
Cervical spinal cord compression (SCC) can occur with or without myelopathy, and we currently lack reliable ways to image and measure its early impact. This project aims to create patient-specific imaging markers and tests that can detect subtle, early deficits before stronger symptoms develop. By comparing NMCC and myelopathic patients, investigators will identify which features predict progression and prognosis. The study builds on prior work using imaging biomarkers and NIHTB motor assessments to capture changes missed by standard scales. The ultimate goal is to improve early detection, risk stratification, and individualized monitoring for people with cervical SCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier detection of subtle spinal cord injury and more personalized monitoring or interventions to prevent progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests imaging biomarkers and NIH Toolbox motor tests can reveal subtle impairments that standard scales miss, supporting potential benefit from this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Zachary — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Smith, Zachary
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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.