Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury
(NIBS-SCI1 Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
No accepted clinical therapies exist for repair of motor pathways following spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans, leaving permanent disability and devastating personal and socioeconomic cost. A robust neural repair strategy has been demonstrated in preclinical studies, that is ready for translation to recovery of hand and arm function in human SCI, comprising daily transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment at the inpatient rehabilitation facility. This study will establish clinical effect size of the intervention, as well as safety and feasibility necessary for a subsequent controlled efficacy trial and inform preclinical studies for dosing optimization.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment NIBS Therapy for spinal cord injury?
Research suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a part of NIBS Therapy, may help improve motor function and walking ability in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Some studies have shown positive effects on hand and leg function, indicating potential benefits for rehabilitation.12345
Is transcranial magnetic stimulation safe for humans?
How is NIBS Therapy different from other treatments for spinal cord injury?
NIBS Therapy, which involves transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), is unique because it uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, potentially improving motor function and gait in spinal cord injury patients. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on physical rehabilitation or medication, TMS is non-invasive and directly targets brain activity to promote recovery.12359
Research Team
Dylan J Edwards, PhD
Principal Investigator
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with recent spinal cord injuries leading to quadriplegia, which means paralysis of all four limbs. Participants should be in the subacute phase, meaning they are past the initial injury but not yet fully stable. The study excludes those with certain medical conditions or metal implants that interfere with magnetic stimulation.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive daily transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for 2 weeks at an inpatient rehabilitation facility
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at baseline and 6 months post-injury
Treatment Details
Interventions
- NIBS Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Lead Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborator
University of Sao Paulo
Collaborator
Burke Medical Research Institute
Collaborator
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Collaborator
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Collaborator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Collaborator