Spasticity and Functional Recovery After SCI

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the neural mechanisms underlying the development of spasticity over time after an acute SCI are not yet understood. Using electrophysiological and imaging techniques along with traditional measurements of neurological recovery in the acute rehabilitation setting including physical exam and functional assessments; the investigators aim to examine the relationship between development of spasticity, residual descending motor pathways and functional and neurological recovery in humans with SCI from acute to subacute phase

The purpose of this study is to measure changes to motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and to evaluate if the development of spasticity is related to residual descending motor pathways and to a better neurological recovery and functional improvement in individuals with SCI from the acute to the subacute phase. The investigators will also test for the presence of biological markers in the blood that may correlate with levels of spasticity or neurological recovery and functional improvement, including the presence or absence of neuroplastic genetic polymorphisms (e.g. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism), as well as circulating levels of neuroplastic (e.g. BDNF) or inflammatory factors (e.g. interleukins, TNF) that may affect neuronal growth and functional restoration.