Cervical spinal cord stimulation for improving arm and hand function
Targeting Cervical Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Functional Recovery
This study is testing different ways of using spinal cord stimulation to see if it can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their arm and hand function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06701422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the optimal cervical spinal cord stimulation techniques to enhance arm and hand muscle activation in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Through short-term physiological experiments, researchers will identify which cervical levels should be targeted for effective stimulation. The findings will inform a preclinical efficacy trial to assess the best approaches for restoring upper-limb function in patients with spinal cord injuries. The study combines human and animal experiments to advance the understanding of epidural electrical stimulation applications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who require cervical spine surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with existing stimulation devices in the neck or chest may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for restoring arm and hand function in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on spinal cord stimulation, this specific approach targeting cervical levels for upper-limb recovery is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: •Clinical indication for cervical spine surgery. Exclusion criteria: •Stimulation devices in the neck or chest (e.g., vagal nerve stimulation, cardiac patients with pacemakers)
Where this trial is running
New York, New York and 1 other locations
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- The Daniel and Jane Och Spine Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian/Allen — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jason B Carmel, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: jbc28@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 917-301-1882
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.