Evaluating C7 Nerve Transfer for Stroke Recovery

Seventh Cervical Nerve Transfer for Spastic Arm Paresis: A Prospective Analysis of Efficacy in Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke

Not applicable Interventional Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT06001736

This study is testing if a surgery that connects a healthy part of the brain to the arm can help people who haven't improved their arm function after a stroke for 1-5 years.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment95 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
Trial IDNCT06001736 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of contralateral C7 root transfer in improving limb function in patients who have experienced ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The procedure seeks to enhance recovery by creating a connection between the healthy side of the brain and the affected arm, leveraging neural reorganization that occurs post-stroke. Participants will be individuals who have not seen improvement in arm function for 1-5 years following their stroke. The study will involve surgical intervention and subsequent evaluation of limb functionality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have suffered an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke resulting in arm paresis that has plateaued for 1-5 years.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or have not experienced a stroke will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm function and quality of life for stroke survivors with persistent limb paresis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on contralateral nerve transfer for similar conditions have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with resultant arm paresis that has ceased to improve within 1-5 years of rehabilitation.
* baseline Fugl-Meyer score below 33

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Lebanon, New Hampshire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke, IschemicStroke HemorrhagicSpastic HemiparesisIschemic strokeHemorrhagic strokeSpastic hemiparesis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.