In addition to the reactions, Stroman also realized that a persons level of attention affects the spinal cord's information processing. The MRI was also able to capture spinal cord activity in those patients who were alert and those who were distracted by other tasks.
Stromans states, "The effect of attention is one of the reasons that when you're playing sports and you get hurt, you often don't become aware of the injury until after the game when you attention and focus changes. We already knew that a person's level of attention affects information processing in the brain, but this finding has made us aware that level of attention has to be properly controlled in research that aims to accurately map spinal cord function." "Basic physiology books describe the spinal cord as a relay system, but it's a part of the central nervous system and processes information just like part of the brain do," added Stroman.
This research has the capacity to improve treatment and technology for spinal cord injuries, leading to more effecient, effective recovery.
Have You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you've been hurt and suffered a spinal cord injury you should speak with a spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
