Background

The spinal cord is central to how the brain communicates with the body, coordinating movement, and sensation through complex networks of nerves. However, studying how the spinal cord functions in humans has been difficult because existing methods to record its electrical activity are either invasive or not standardised. While brain activity is routinely recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), there hasn’t been an equivalent, widely accepted system for the spinal cord. This gap makes it hard for researchers and clinicians to compare results or build a clear picture of how spinal cord function changes in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or following injury. 

Research

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and their collaborators, supported by FutureNeuro, have developed a new high-density electrode system called SC10X/U. This system defines precise locations for surface electrodes placed along the neck and upper back, enabling the non-invasive recording of spinal cord activity — a method known as electrospinography (ESG). Using a 64-electrode setup, the team tested the system on healthy volunteers while stimulating a nerve in the arm. The recordings successfully detected well-known spinal signals (N13 and P9 potentials) that matched established physiological findings, showing that the system reliably measures spinal cord responses. 

Potential Impact

The SC10X/U system provides a standardised framework for recording spinal cord activity, enabling researchers and clinicians to collect consistent, comparable data across studies and centres. By capturing how the spinal cord functions, the technology could transform understanding of sensorimotor communication and accelerate discoveries in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy. In the longer term, it may support the development of new biomarkers to track disease progression and evaluate treatment response — paving the way for more personalised and effective care.