The role of the spinal cord in MS motor symptoms

Associate Professor Justin Kavanagh’s project investigates the underlying causes of muscle weakness in MS, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Currently, the specific mechanisms that lead to muscle weakness in MS are not fully understood, limiting the development of effective treatments. This research project will use a combination of advanced techniques, including neuroimaging to capture detailed images of brain and spinal cord structures, high-density electromyography to measure how muscles are activated, and computer models that simulate motor neuron behaviour.

Associate Professor Kavanagh and his team will explore how MS affects nerve cells that control muscles (motor neurons), focusing on changes in motor neuron function and disruptions in brain and spinal cord communication. They will also study how MS may interfere with essential brain chemicals like serotonin and noradrenaline, which help regulate motor neurons.

By integrating clinical, physiological, and computational approaches, this project aims to provide unprecedented insights into how the central nervous system contributes to muscle weakness in MS. These findings could ultimately guide the development of new, targeted treatments that improve mobility and quality of life for people with MS.