Using spinal cord stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries cough
Official title: Multi-Center Clinical Trial of Spinal Cord Stimulation to Restore Cough
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10707886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how spinal cord stimulation can help people with neck and upper back injuries regain their ability to cough, which can make it easier for them to clear their airways and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $929,012 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3NS121560-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injuries who struggle with coughing and respiratory complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries at lower thoracic levels or those without significant respiratory complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of spinal cord stimulation to restore the ability to cough in individuals with cervical and high thoracic spinal cord injuries. The approach involves implanting electrodes that stimulate the muscles responsible for coughing, which can significantly improve airway clearance and reduce respiratory infections. Previous pilot trials have shown promising results, indicating that this method can activate the necessary muscles effectively. The study aims to further validate these findings in a larger, multi-center clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could greatly enhance respiratory health and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries by restoring their ability to cough effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot trials have shown success with similar approaches, indicating that spinal cord stimulation can effectively restore cough in patients with spinal cord injuries.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimarco, Anthony F. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Dimarco, Anthony F.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Behavioral cough suppression and capsaicin for refractory chronic cough
A multi-site study will test how a behavioral therapy for stopping cough works alone and with capsaicin to help people with stubborn chronic cough.
-
Vibrotactile stimulation to help people with chronic cough that doesn’t respond to treatment
A study tests a vibrating stimulation device for the voice box to help people with stubborn chronic cough feel better and cough less.
-
Understanding how cough spreads tuberculosis
This study is looking at how coughing helps spread the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) so we can find better ways to prevent and treat the disease, especially for those at higher risk.
-
Understanding and preventing lung problems after tuberculosis treatment
This research aims to find new ways to identify people who are at risk of developing long-term lung issues after completing treatment for tuberculosis.
-
Gentle throat vibration therapy for stubborn chronic cough
This project uses gentle vibration applied to the throat to try to reduce long-lasting cough in people whose cough hasn't improved with usual treatments.
-
Finding the best treatments for chronic cough
This project aims to help doctors choose the most effective treatment for people with chronic cough by understanding what makes each person respond differently.
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.