Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Neuromuscular Imaging Laboratory

Laboratory Description

The primary researchfocus in this laboratory has been and continues to be determining thepathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the transition from acute to chronicpain following traumatic spinal injury; in particular, whiplash injuries from amotor vehicle collision. Specifically, we utilize structural and advancedmagnetic resonance imaging applications to quantify the temporal development ofaltered spinal cord biochemistry and muscle degeneration as potential cellularand molecular substrates of persistent pain. We also are investigating thefactors associated with impaired production of voice and swallow in thispopulation. Broad applications of our work includes preventing, diagnosing, andtreating whiplash related pain and its sequelae. This research is based onclinical and research experience and has expanded through interdisciplinaryefforts involving the fields of magnetic resonance physics, radiology,biomedical engineering, speech language pathology, neurophysiology and physicaltherapy.

Current Projects

NeuromuscularMechanisms Underlying the Transition to Chronic Pain in Whiplash

Theprimary objective of this prospective study is to identify and quantify the neuromuscularmechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain followingwhiplash injuries. Our previous research has shown neck muscle fattyinfiltrates develop between 4-weeks and 3-months post whiplash injury but onlyin those people with higher levels of initial and pain and symptoms ofpost-traumatic stress disorders. These muscle changes may represent oneneurophysiologic basis for the transition to chronic pain in this population.However the exact (and early; < 4 weeks) neuropsychobiologic mechanismsunderlying their development and contribution towards the transition remains unclear.This study aims to determine such mechanisms inorder to explore and develop more informed management strategies.
(Funded by NIH KL2 RR025740KL2)

Neuromuscular Imaging

Working with colleagues in the Department ofRadiology and Biomechanical Engineering, we are devising advanced MRI methodsto image and quantify the spatio-temporal development of lean and fat tissue inthe paraspinal and extremity muscles of people with traumatic and non-traumaticspinal and bodily pain.