Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial uses electrical stimulation techniques to help patients with partial spinal cord injuries improve their arm and hand movements. The treatment works by enhancing the timing and coordination of nerve signals, making it easier for the brain and spinal cord to control muscles. Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has been practiced as a therapy by the medical community for a long time.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you do not take medications that affect the central nervous system and lower the seizure threshold, such as certain antipsychotic drugs and tricyclic antidepressants.
Is electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury generally safe in humans?
How does electrical stimulation differ from other treatments for spinal cord injury?
Electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury is unique because it uses electrical currents to activate the spinal cord's neural circuits, potentially restoring motor functions even after paralysis. Unlike other treatments, it involves implanting electrodes to target specific spinal cord regions, enabling intentional control of movements, which is not typically possible with standard therapies.12678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment 'Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury'?
Electrophysiological techniques, which are part of the treatment, can help predict functional outcomes in spinal cord injury patients, such as walking ability and hand function, by assessing nerve responses. These techniques are valuable in planning rehabilitation and selecting appropriate therapies, suggesting they may support recovery when used as part of a treatment plan.1691011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Monica Perez, PhD
Principal Investigator
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-85 with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) at C8 or above, who can still perform certain reach and grasp movements. It's also open to right-handed healthy controls without SCI but with similar abilities. Pregnant women, individuals with metal in the skull, seizure history, severe medical issues, depression/psychosis, head injury/stroke history, pacemakers or those on specific CNS drugs are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Electrophysiology Assessment
Assessment of electrophysiology in the time and spatial domains to examine corticospinal function
Training with Stimulation
Training with non-invasive stimulation and sham stimulation to promote recovery of function
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Electrophysiology Assessment of Location
- Electrophysiology Assessment of Time Domain
- Training with some stimulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator