Circuits in Motion: Mapping and Modulating Neural Pathways in Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury and Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Neurological injury and/or disease can result in multiple maladaptive mechanisms that can limit rehabilitation efficacy. To improve rehabilitation efforts, it is critical not only to evaluate the mechanisms that influence recovery but also capitalize on tools that can harness the systems potential. Here, I will discuss my team’s focus on addressing these areas directly in populations with Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury and recently, Parkinson’s Disease. During the presentation data will be shared highlighting the use of therapeutic adjuncts, including non-invasive brain stimulation and temporary deafferentation, to enhance rehabilitation programs in stroke and spinal cord injury populations. We will also outline how we are using advanced neuroimaging and neuroimaging analysis methods to quantify pathway-level changes that occur following neurological injury/disease in a clinical setting. Finally, we will outline how we have begun to integrate our findings to build machine-learning algorithms that can be used to predict disease severity, with the goal of improving disease diagnosis and treatment in rural areas.