Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain-Spinal Injuries: From Molecular Imaging to and Brain-Computer Interfaces

Abstract

Purpose: This review aims to synthesize current literature on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs), focusing on molecular imaging, cell therapy, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), and Craniosacral Therapy (CST).

Materials and Methods: A systematic search was done in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, WoS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles published between 2015 and 2025. Keywords included "Brain Injury," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Molecular Imaging," "Cell Therapy," "Brain-Computer Interface," and "Craniosacral Therapy".

Results: Molecular imaging techniques, such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), enhance diagnostic accuracy by visualizing neural activity and structural integrity. Cell therapy, particularly with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), promotes axon regeneration and reduces inflammation. BCIs offer the potential for restoring motor function and enhancing neural plasticity. The evidence for CST is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits in pain relief and cognitive improvement, while others raise concerns about methodological limitations.

Conclusion: Recent advances in molecular imaging, cell therapy, and BCIs offer hopeful avenues for improving the diagnosis and treatment of BSCI. However, further rigorous research is needed to validate the ability of these approaches and to address ethical considerations. While CST has gained attention as a complementary therapy, more high-quality studies are required to determine its effectiveness. This review highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice and to develop the quality of life for those affected by BSCI.