Using electrical stimulation in the spinal cord to improve movement and reduce pain after injury
Intraspinal Microstimulation for Multi-modal Rehabilitation
This study is exploring a new way to help people with spinal cord injuries recover movement and reduce pain by using gentle electrical stimulation on the spinal cord, and it could lead to better treatments for both movement and pain relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10605246 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intraspinal microstimulation, a technique that delivers small electrical currents to specific areas of the spinal cord, to enhance motor recovery and alleviate neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). By targeting both motor pathways and pain pathways, the study aims to determine how effectively this stimulation can improve movement and reduce inappropriate pain signals. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach as it could lead to new therapies that combine rehabilitation for motor function with pain management. The research involves careful monitoring of neural activity and patient responses to the stimulation over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are suffering from motor impairments and neuropathic pain.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who do not experience significant motor impairments or neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that improves mobility and reduces pain for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with intraspinal microstimulation techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcpherson, Jacob Graves — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mcpherson, Jacob Graves
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.