Functional alterations across motor, visual, and attention cerebellar and cortical networks in patients with asymptomatic spinal cord compression

This study indicated that functional brain changes are evident before neurological symptoms appear. These alterations in FC patterns reflect a systematic reorganization of neural dynamics, suggesting that the brain adaptively reconfigures its computational architecture to compensate for compromised signal transmission through the compressed spinal cord. Patients with ASCC appear to rely more on visual information to maintain normal sensorimotor function, as proprioception information is likely compromised due to spinal compression. Their functional changes in the subregion of the cerebellum involved in attention indicate possible strain on multitasking and working memory. Finally, connectivity differences related to NDI scores support the idea that the superior parietal lobule helps to compensate for motor difficulties. These early adaptations in brain computation could serve as crucial biomarkers for disease progression, potentially enabling more precise timing of clinical interventions in this challenging patient population.